The Seven Principles of the U.S Constitution

= Background Info Principle: is the beginning, or foundation These 7 principles (or ideas) are what our Constitution and therefore our government are based on. =

Popular Sovereignty In the 1700’s most rulers claimed their authority from God

= w/o Popular Sovereignty Our Constitution gives authority by the people The government has no power without the people w/o =

Limited Government People were tired of the harsh rule of a single person (a king) The rulers of the U.S have only the power that the Constitution gives them The President must obey the law just like everyone else

Separation of Powers The government is divided into 3 major parts: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Each part has different or separate powers

Separation of Powers

Checks and Balances Each of the 3 branches also have certain ways of keeping an eye on the other 2 branches They have the ability to limit the power of the other two & keeping one from becoming too powerful

Checks and Balances

Federalism Federalism is simple: Governmental power is divided between the Federal (national) and State (Texas) governments

This creates a strong national government, Federalism This creates a strong national government, with each state strong enough to govern themselves how they see fit

Republicanism Instead of taking part directly in the national government, we elect representatives to go and do it for us. We don’t vote, we vote for people to go to Washington D.C and vote for us

Individual Rights The Constitution protects the rights of us as individuals The Bill of Rights is the basis for most individual rights in the U.S