The Constitution Chapter 3

Section 1 Basic Principles

The Constitution Sets out the basic principles upon which government in the United States was built and operates today. Lays out the ways in which the Federal Government is organized. Describes how the leaders of our government are selected. Sets forward the procedures that our leaders must follow as they perform their duties. Sets out the limits within which government must conduct itself. Lays out basic rules of American politics.

Basic Outline Preamble – States purpose of government. Article I – Legislative Branch Article 2 – Executive Branch Article 3 – Judicial Branch Article 4 – Relations Among the States Article 5 – Amending the Constitution Article 6 – National debts, Supremacy of national law, and oaths of office Article 7 – Ratifying the Constitution Twenty-Seven Amendments

Popular Sovereignty Is the idea that people have the right to rule themselves; the people are the source of governmental power.

Limited Government The government is not all-powerful. It has only those powers the people give it. There are certain things the government can’t do, even if the majority wants it. Article I and the Bill of Rights place many limits on our government. Constitutionalism Rule of Law

Separation of Powers Divides the government into separate branches to protect against abuses of power. Article I Article II Article III

Checks and Balances Is a system in which the three branches of government have the power to check, or restrain, one another. &

Judicial Review Is the power of the courts to determine whether what government does is in agreement with the Constitution.

Federalism Is the division of power among the central government and the states.