THE CONSTITUTION  “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government. We cannot let government dominate our lives and interests.” –Patrick Henry (anti-Federalist)

 It must never be forgotten that the liberties of the people are not so safe under the gracious manner of the government. What protects liberties is the limitation of its power. –Richard Henry Lee

The Principles of the United States Constitution

1. Popular Sovereignty  The power in this country lies with the people because we have the ability to vote “We the People...”

2. Rule of Law  The Constitution is the Government's Rule Book. It tells the gov't what they can and can't do.  No one in government is above the Constitution, not even the President.  The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

3. Federalism  Power is SHARED between State and National Governments. 10 th Amendment says All power not given to the federal gov't belongs to the states.

 “The general government cannot effectually exist without reserving to the STATES the possession of their local rights.” –Charles Pinckney –Federalist or anti-Federalist?

4. Separation of Powers  Government is divided into 3 branches, each with their own duties, who share power Legislative branch makes the laws Executive branch carries out the laws Judicial branch interprets the laws

Legislative Branch  Senate and House of Representatives Senate: 100 members, 2 from each state H.O.R.: 435 members, based on population of the state Executive Branch  President, Vice-president, cabinet

Judicial Branch  Supreme Court and all other lower courts

5. Checks and Balances  Each branch has checks or restraints on the others to make sure that they don’t get too powerful.  Ex-vetoes, appt's, treaties

6. Judicial Review  The power of the Supreme Court to declare certain acts of the President or Congress unconstitutional or “null and void”  This is one of the checks belonging to the judicial branch.  The Constitution is the Rule book and the Sup. Ct. are the Referees.