Ideals of the Constitution Mr. Zimmer Civics

Introduction The Preamble starts out “We the People” The Preamble starts out “We the People” The American government gets its power from the people, which is called “Popular Sovereignty” or consent of the governed. The American government gets its power from the people, which is called “Popular Sovereignty” or consent of the governed. Governed meaning citizens. Governed meaning citizens.

Principles of the Constitution Limited Government Limited Government Keeping the new government from becoming too powerfulKeeping the new government from becoming too powerful Majority Rule with Minority Rights Majority Rule with Minority Rights The principle that in a disagreement, everyone will accept the decision of the majorityThe principle that in a disagreement, everyone will accept the decision of the majority Provisions were included to protect the minority and allow them to express their viewsProvisions were included to protect the minority and allow them to express their views Powers of the People Powers of the People The Bill of Rights: Specific freedoms for every U.S. citizenThe Bill of Rights: Specific freedoms for every U.S. citizen

Goals of the Constitution Form a more perfect union Form a more perfect union Establish justice Establish justice Insure domestic equality Insure domestic equality Provide for the common defense Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Promote the general welfare Secure the blessings of liberty Secure the blessings of liberty

The Federal System The basis for Limited Government The basis for Limited Government The Constitution recognizes governments at two different levels: The Constitution recognizes governments at two different levels: The Federal government and State governmentThe Federal government and State government

Federal Government Makes Laws that govern the whole country Makes Laws that govern the whole country Powers given to the Federal Government are called Delegated Powers which include: Powers given to the Federal Government are called Delegated Powers which include: Our National DefenseOur National Defense International TradeInternational Trade Printing MoneyPrinting Money

State Government Authority only in their state Each state has its own Constitution States solve local problems based on their needs Powers granted to states are referred to as Reserved Powers and include: Conduct Elections, Establishing Schools, Regulate Trade within states

Federal and State Governments Powers granted to both federal and state governments are called Concurrent Powers and include: Powers granted to both federal and state governments are called Concurrent Powers and include: Raising or Lowering taxesRaising or Lowering taxes Borrow moneyBorrow money Establish courtsEstablish courts Create BanksCreate Banks Enforce LawsEnforce Laws Provide for the health and well-being of the American peopleProvide for the health and well-being of the American people States can make laws, but the federal government is the “supreme law of the land” States can make laws, but the federal government is the “supreme law of the land”