Principles of the Constitution

Focus Question: What powers do you think a government should have?

Focus Question What are your impressions of the government shutdown?

Objectives After today’s lesson, you will: Describe three principles found in the U.S. Constitution

Principles The Constitution is built on principles Forged during the Enlightenment and Revolutionary Period ▫Sense of Reason in Government ▫Reaction to centralization ▫Reaction to the near collapse of the Confederation

Principles of the Constitution (I) Popular Sovereignty ▫Government power comes from the people ▫“Consent of the governed” Limited Government ▫Restrictions on government power Separation of Powers ▫Government divided into branches ▫Branches given specific powers

Principles of the Constitution (II) Federalism ▫Power divided between the central government and the states Checks and Balances ▫Steps taken to limit any branch or level of government Representative Government ▫Republican system Equality ▫Ideal that all are equal under the law

Summary Identify what you liked and what you did not like about today’s lesson. Explain your reply.