Principles of the Constitution

What are the principles of the Constitution? And Judicial Review.

Who Gives Government it’s Power? Popular Sovereignty – a government in which the people rule. The Preamble clearly spells out who has the power.

How is abuse of power prevented? Popular Sovereignty a government in which the people rule. Limited Government the principle that requires ALL U.S. citizens, including government leaders, to follow the law. The Government can only do what the Constitution says it can do.

How is power shared? Federalism – Popular Sovereignty a government in which the people rule. Limited Gov’t requires ALL U.S. citizens, including government leaders, to follow the law. The Government can only do what the Constitution says it can do. a system of govt. in which power is divided, or shared, between a central govt. and states.

Federalism Continued… What is the purpose of dividing powers between national and state governments?

One more look at Federalism Enumerated Powers – specifically assigned to the national govt. Reserved Powers – kept to the state govt. What are concurrent powers?

How is power divided? Separation of Powers – Limited Gov’t requires ALL U.S. citizens, including government leaders, to follow the law. The Government can only do what the Constitution says it can do. Federalism power is divided, or shared, between a central govt. and states. Separation of Powers – the division of basic govt. into branches. No one branch is given all of the power.

How is power evenly distributed? Federalism power is divided, or shared, between a central govt. and states. Separation of Powers division of basic govt. into branches. No one branch is given all of the power. Checks and Balances – the ability of each branch of govt. to exercise checks, or controls, over the other branches.

A closer look…

What “check” does the Judicial Branch have on the Legislative Branch? Judicial Review – the principle that the Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution. Federalism power is divided, or shared, between a central govt. and states. Separation of Powers division of basic govt. into branches. No one branch is given all of the power

How are personal freedoms protected? Individual Rights – personal liberty and privilege guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the Bill of Rights. Checks and Balances ability of each branch of govt. to exercise checks, or controls, over the other branches Judicial Review Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution

How are people’s views represented in govt? Republicanism – the people exercise their power by voting for their political representatives. Judicial Review Supreme Court has the final say in interpreting the Constitution Individual Rights personal liberty and privilege guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the Bill of Rights

Identify the principle illustrated in the statement Many of your parents voted to elect either Will Hurd* or Pete Gallego to be their congressman. This is an example of ____________. *Hurd won Republicanism

Congress approved of President Reagan’s appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court of the United States. Checks and Balances This is an example of ____________________.

Congress makes laws for the nation. This is an example of ______________. Separation of Powers

Now it’s your turn to practice! Massachusetts must respect the laws of neighboring Connecticut and distant Alaska The President and all other government officials must obey the law, as do all American citizens. Voters in Texas elected John Cornyn to represent them in the U.S. Senate. Federalism Limited Government Republicanism

4. New York can not sign a treaty with Canada or any foreign country. 5. The Supreme Court can rule that a California state law is unconstitutional. 6. The powers of the national government are distributed among three branches of govt. 7. The govt. cannot arrest a person unless that person has violated a law. Federalism Judicial Review Separation of Powers Individual Rights

8. State and local government supervise the public school system. 9. The Senate can refuse to approve a treaty that the President has negotiated. 10. The Supreme Court interprets and applies the laws. 11. The President can veto a bill approved by the House of Representatives and Senate. Federalism Checks and Balances Judicial Review Checks and Balances

12. The President is the commander in chief of the military. 13. The Preamble of the Constitution begins with “We the People.” 14. The Bill of Rights guarantees free speech. 15. The city of San Antonio, the state of Texas, and the national government all work together to repair Interstate 10. Separation of Powers Popular Sovereignty Individual Rights Federalism

16. Students protest the development of land over the Edwards Aquifer. 17. Congress can override a President’s veto with 2/3 of its member’s approval. 18. President Obama can be ticketed for speeding (if he actually ever drives himself somewhere) 19. The Supreme Court ruled that the line-item veto was unconstitutional. 20. People protest outside a state prison on the day a prisoner is to be executed. Individual Rights Checks and Balances Limited Government Judicial Review Individual Rights