The Constitutional Kite

The Sail Representative Government

The String People Power The people control the government and can lead it anywhere they want.

The Tail Each “bowtie” helps maintain a strong “sail” and it is SUPER important in the actual flying of the kite.

What happens to a kite with no tail? IT WON’T FLY 

The 7 Constitutional Principles The “Bowties”

Republicanism A government where the citizens elect officials to represent their beliefs. EXAMPLE: Electing a President

Popular Sovereignty Political authority belongs to the people. Popular=People Sovereignty=Power

Limited Government All leaders have to obey the law, makes sure the government cannot become too strong. Example-the government cannot tell people where to live. Sorry, you have to live here. But, I don’t want to!

Separation of Powers The division of government to prevent one of the branches from becoming too powerful. Each branch has its own job. LegislativeExecutiveJudicial

Checks and Balances Each of the branches can check the others to keep one branch from becoming more powerful than the others.

Individual Rights Personal liberties (rights) guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the Bill of Rights.

Federalism Shared powers between… GOVERNMENTS! State AND National

Key Idea = The principles of government make the U.S. Constitution work, just like the tail makes the kite fly!!