Constitutional Principles

What are the five basic principles of American Government? 1. Popular Sovereignty Idea that people have the right to rule themselves How is it practiced? Through the election process. People select and remove leaders.

Five basic principles cont... 2. Limited Government Limiting the power of government to protect the rights of the people What are some things which limit the power of government? Bill of Rights, Articles of the Constitution

Five basic principles cont... 3. Federalism Power is divided between the national government and the states What is the Supremacy Clause? The Constitution and the laws of the United States are the “Supreme Law of the Land” Article 6, Section 2

Line of Authority US Constitution Federal Government State Constitutions State Laws Local Charters Local Laws

Five basic principles cont... 4. Checks and Balances Each branch is subject to restraints (limitations) by the other branches How is it practiced? The President may veto a law passed by Congress The Congress may override a veto The Supreme Court may declare a law unconstitutional

Five basic principles cont... 5. Separation of Powers Dividing powers up among the three branches

Enumerated Powers Powers the Constitution specifically gives to the national government Foreign affairs Armed Forces Foreign Trade Coin and print money Postal system Govern territories

Reserved Powers Powers the Constitution specifically gives to the states Regulate trade and commerce Establish local governments Conduct elections Establish public schools Provide for safety

Concurrent Powers Those powers shared by the national and state governments Enforce laws Establish courts Collect taxes Borrow money Provide for the general welfare