Major Principles of the Constitution

Goals/Focus Be able to identify the Seven Major Principles of the Constitution. Give an Example of how each principle applies to today.

What Are Principles? A General statement of moral or political belief. They are the rules/laws set forth in the Constitution. Provide solutions to problems of a representative government.

What Are Those Principles? There are Seven Major Principles: Popular Sovereignty Republicanism Limited Government Federalism Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Individual Rights

1.Popular Sovereignty “We The People”…? We the People reinforces the idea of “authority of the people”. We the people are under the rule of the government, ONLY because we give the government consent to do so.

2. Republicanism The people hold the power and elect representatives. The representatives are responsible to make laws and to conduct government.

3. Limited Government Idea is to prevent the strong central government from gaining to much power. Government only has powers granted by the people.

Protection from Government Government only has powers granted to it by the people. Government is also limited by the Constitution as Article I states what it can not do to individuals or states. Example: Bill Of Rights RULE OF LAW: No people or groups are above the law.

4. Federalism Power is shared between the National and State Government. Individual states can address issues that only effect their state. if the issue is one that effects all Americans, then the National Government has authority.

3 Types of Government powers Enumerated powers: belong only to the federal government. Reserved powers: Powers retained by the state. Concurrent powers: powers shared by state and federal government. Enumerated Reserved Concurrent State Federal

The Federal System National National & State State Concurrent Powers: Enforce Laws Establish Courts Collect Taxes Borrow Money Provide for the general welfare Reserved Powers: Regulate trade within the state Establish local government Conduct elections Establish schools Enumerated Powers: Regulate Trade Coin Money Provide an Army and Navy Conduct Foreign affairs Set up Federal Courts

5. Separation of Powers Each branch of Government has its’ own responsibilities to help prevent corruption.

6. Checks &Balances Each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches.

7. Individual Rights Basic Liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Bill of Rights became part of the Constitution in 1791. The first 10 Amendments establish our rights: (ex..Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly, Religion, and trial by Jury)

Review: What is a Principle? What are the seven Principles of the Constitution? What is an example of each Principle?