Principle of Government Standard: SSCG3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution. a. Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification; include those in The Federalist. b. Analyze the purpose of government stated in the Preamble of the United States Constitution. c. Explain the fundamental principles upon which the United States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. Essential Question: What principles is our government founded on? Learning Target: I can explain the fundamental principles upon which the United States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

Principles of Government Notes Popular Sovereignty Limited Government/Rule of Law Checks & Balances Federalism Separation of Powers

Popular Sovereignty Who gives the government its power? Definition: the right of the people to rule themselves Preamble: “We the People” As nation grew, more people included in “We”

Limited Government How is abuse of power prevented? Definition: everyone must obey the law There are restrictions on the power of government “Rule of Law” – people, including those in power, cannot change the law to serve their own interests

Federalism How is power shared? Definition: a system of government in which power is divided between a central government and smaller political units, such as states Enumerated or Delegated powers – assigned to national government Conduct wars, negotiate treaties Reserved powers – given to state government Education Concurrent powers – shared among governments Taxes

Separation of Powers How is power divided? Definition: division of basic government roles into branches No one branch of government gets all the power

Checks and Balances How is power evenly distributed? Definition: each branch of government can exercise controls over other branches Branches are separate, but rely on one another Branches have to work together