Notes: Principles of the United States Constitution Separation of Powers Federalism Checks and Balances Amending the Constitution

Principles of the United States Constitution, Notes

Principle Definition Example Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people. During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.

Principle Definition Example Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people. During elections, citizens vote for their leaders. Checks and Balances The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful The President can veto a bill

Principle Definition Example Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people. During elections, citizens vote for their leaders. Checks and Balances The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful The President can veto a bill Limited Government A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms

Principle Definition Example Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people. During elections, citizens vote for their leaders. Checks and Balances The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful The President can veto a bill Limited Government A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms Judicial Review Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress or President unconstitutional Supreme Court may rule a law to be Unconstitutional

Principle Definition Example Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people. During elections, citizens vote for their leaders. Checks and Balances The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful The President can veto a bill Limited Government A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms Judicial Review Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress or President unconstitutional Supreme Court may rule a law to be Unconstitutional Federalism In this governmental system, power is divided between state and national government National government may declare war; state governments set up school system

Principle Definition Example Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people. During elections, citizens vote for their leaders. Checks and Balances The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful The President can veto a bill Limited Government A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms Judicial Review Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress or President unconstitutional Supreme Court may rule a law to be Unconstitutional Federalism In this governmental system, power is divided between state and national government National government may declare war; state governments set up school system Separation of Powers The idea of having three branches of government, each with its own functions The legislative branch makes laws; executive branch enforces laws; Judicial branch interprets laws

Using the information from the front, complete the back page matching For each answer, give an explanation as to why it is the correct answer.

Back page matching, Key

Separation of Powers, notes Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch Makes laws Enforces laws Interprets laws

Federalism, notes Delegated Powers Reserved Powers Concurrent Powers Federal Government State Government Shared Powers What are the powers given only to the Federal Government called? Delegated Powers What are the powers given only to the State Government called? Reserved Powers What are the powers given to the Federal & State Governments called? Concurrent Powers Examples: Propose amendments Declare war Examples : Death penalty Bike Helmets Licensing Tax Speed limits

Checks and Balances, notes Judicial Branch can declare laws Judicial Review unconstitutional Judicial Review can declare presidential actions unconstitutional Impeach Nominate Judges Veto Nominate officials to office Impeach Legislative Branch Executive Branch Override veto by 2/3 vote of both houses Senate – Confirm Presidential Appointments

The Constitution and the Amendment Process

Steps in Amending the Constitution What is an Amendment? A change or addition to the Constitution What are the two steps to amend the Constitution? Proposal and Ratification

By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate Methods of Proposal Method 1 By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate [most common method of proposing an amendment]

By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate Methods of Proposal Method 2 By national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures [This method has never been used] Method 1 By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate [most common method of proposing an amendment] Or

Methods of Ratification

Methods of Ratification By legislatures in ¾ of the states [in all but one case, this is how amendments have been ratified]

Methods of Ratification Ratified through conventions in ¾ of the states. [Only been used once to ratify the 21st Amendment] Method 1 By legislatures in ¾ of the states [in all but one case, this is how amendments have been ratified] Or

Amendment Process Methods of Proposal Methods of Ratification Method 1 By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate Method 1 By legislatures in ¾ of the states Or Or Method 2 Ratified through conventions in ¾ of the states. Method 2 By national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures

Complete the Equal Rights Amendment page on back of Amendment process notes