Principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution UNIT I – Foundations of American Government Day 5 CONCEPT: Principles and Ideals

Federalism separate from Form of government in which the power is divided between the national government and the states separate from

Separation of Powers Split of authority amongst the government into 3 separate branches – each deals with the law in a different manner

Checks and Balances Ensures that one branch will not become stronger than the other Allows each branch to check, or restrain, the power of the others

Popular Sovereignty Concept that power of the government is in the hands of the people

Limited Government Power of the government is limited and not absolute

Rule of law The law applies to EVERYONE, even those who govern

Due Process The PROCESS of law (arrest, trial, etc.) is DUE to everyone

Why do we follow these principles and ideals?

influences Major sources of influence include Great Britain Colonies Enlightenment Thinkers

British Influence Magna Carta (1215) First limit placed on the king Protected the nobles’ privileges and upheld their authority, rights given to all landholders Equal treatment under the law Trial by jury of peers Not even the King/Queen was above the law Which principles are at use here? Limited government Rule of law Due Process

British Influence English Bill of Rights (1689) Clarified the new relationship between the King, Parliament, and the people Members of Parliament freely elected King can’t impose taxes w/o Parliament’s approval Right to a fair trial Elimination of cruel and unusual punishment Which principles are at use here? Limited government Popular Sovereignty Due Process

Colonial Influence House of Burgesses (1619) Representative assembly in Virginia that made laws for the people living in the colony Which principles are at use here? Popular Sovereignty Separation of Powers

Colonial Influence Mayflower Compact (1620) Direct democracy created by Pilgrims for self-government on their voyage to the New World; government would be based on the “consent of the governed” Which principles are at use here? Popular Sovereignty

Enlightenment Influence The age of Enlightenment was during the 1600s and 1700s Began in Europe, moved to American colonies Challenged traditional ideas of government Major thinkers Locke, Montisquieu, Rousseau, Hobbes Complete thinkers assignment