The Six Basic Principles of the Constitution

The Constitution is the “Supreme law of the land.”

Constitutional Outline The Preamble- introduction, basic outline 7 Articles 1-3 National Government I. Legislative branch II. Executive branch III. Judicial

IV. Relations among the states V. Amending the Constitution VI. Constitution is the Supreme law VII. Ratifying the Constitution 27 Amendments follow

Principle # 1: Popular Sovereignty The National government draws its power from the people of the United States

Principle # 2: Limited Government The government has only the authority the people have given it. Constitutionalism/ rule of law- government and those who govern must obey the law.

Principle # 3: Separation of Powers Power is distributed evenly between Congress, the President and the courts.

Principle # 4: Checks and Balances Each branch has certain checks (restraints) against the other two. EXAMPLES Presidential Veto 2/3 vote in each house Courts may declare acts of Congress unconstitutional impeachment

Principle #5: Judicial Review Courts determine if what the government does abides by the constitution. Unconstitutional- to declare illegal a government action that goes against the constitution.

Principle # 6: Federalism Division of power among a central government and several regional governments.