“Principles Underlying the Constitution”

Our Government’s Purpose In the US, we have a constitutional gov’t. In this government, there are five underlying principles, that drive our government and define its purpose.

1. “Popular Sovereignty”

“Popular Sovereignty” “Popular Sovereignty” = People Rule!!! It is the belief that the power lies with the “people” (right of the people to rule) “We the People…” Power to rule comes from the “consent of the governed”…(permission of the people)

“Popular Sovereignty” We have a special representative democracy called a “Republic”. This is a type of Democracy where the “people” choose those to represent their interests in government. We have this form of Representative Democracy here. (Think of the Pledge of Allegiance) The right of the people to vote gives us the chance to vote and select our leaders.

2. “Rule of Law”

“Rule of Law” Stemming back to the Magna Carta and The English Bill of Rights, our Constitution emphasizes that the government should have certain limits. The government is limited by the law – the LAW applies to everyone! Everyone is under the law!!!

The rule of law impacts government officials in the following ways: The “rule of law” protects citizens from arbitrary abuses of government power. The rule of law impacts government officials in the following ways: Fair procedures Decisions based on the law The law should be fair for everyone Enforcement of the law Fewer Gov’t secrets What would a government look like that operates under the rule of law? One that doesn’t?

3. “Federalism”

“Federalism” “Federalism” is the idea that the states and the National (also called the Federal) gov’t share power. States share their powers with the national government. National and state governments share powers – this limits the power of the federal government by giving powers to the states. As citizens, how are we impacted by federalism? (i.e., follow both federal and state laws)

Powers are Divided

“Expressed” Powers “Expressed” or “enumerated” or “delegated” Powers are specifically given to the federal (national) government only! These are listed in the Constitution

“Expressed” Powers Regulating trade Conducting foreign affairs Raise & support armies Coin or print money Create postal system Govern U.S. territories Regulate immigration

“Reserved” Powers “Reserved” Powers are saved for the state governments. These are powers that are NOT specifically listed in the Constitution or are specifically stated as belonging to the states.

“Reserved” Powers Provide for public safety, health, welfare within state Regulate trade in state Create local governments in the state Conduct elections in the state Establish public school systems in the state

“Concurrent” Powers “Concurrent”powers are the powers that the national government shares with the states. They BOTH have these powers!

“Concurrent” Powers Enforce the laws Establish courts Collect taxes Borrow money Provide for the general welfare Prisons Roads

10th Amendment Reserved Powers - Amendment 10 of the Constitution…“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people” All powers not mentioned in the Constitution belong to the states. i.e. education

The FINAL Authority Supreme Law of the Land Article 6 of the Constitution: – the Constitution is the final say in all matters! Called the Supremacy Clause

4. “Separation of Powers”

“Separation of Powers” Inspired by French philosopher Baron de Montesquieu. Spoke of separating power among the branches. He believed the best way to protect the rights of the “people” is to clearly separate the functions of government. (3 names, 3 words, 3 branches…)

“Separation of Powers” The 3 “branches” of government are: Legislative – make the laws Executive – enforce the laws Judicial – interpret the laws. NO SINGLE “BRANCH” IS MORE POWERFUL - POWERS ARE SEPARATE! Separation of Powers limits the power of the government.

5. “Checks & Balances”

“Checks & Balances” This process is used to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. Checks & Balances limits the power of the government by allowing the three branches to “check” one another’s powers.

“Checks & Balances” The President can appoint justices to the Supreme Court with the Senate’s approval. The Senate can “check” the President by approving or rejecting appointments. The Congress can make laws. The President can “check” Congress by vetoing those laws

“Checks & Balances” The House can check the President with their power to impeach. Impeach means to formally ACCUSE of a wrongdoing!

“Checks & Balances” The Supreme Court can check the Congress and President by declaring the laws made by Congress and approved by the President as unconstitutional.

“Checks & Balances”