1. Limited Government
1.5: Explain how the fundamental principle of limited government is protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, including democracy, republicanism, federalism, the separation of powers, the system of checks and balances, and individual rights.

2. Idea of limited government
Government must be controlled so that it cannot infringe on the rights of the people
Constitution limits the power of the national government.

3. republicanism Representative Government
Voters are REPRESENTED by ELECTED legislators
Legislators are expected to make decisions in the interests the voters
House of Representatives: Elected directly by the people
Framers were fearful of the uncontrolled will of the people
Indirect election of Senators
Electoral College to choose President
National Judiciary appointed by President and confirmed by Senate

4. Federalism
Governmental powers are SHARED between the national government and the states
National government delegated some powers, other powers reserved to the states, some powers are held concurrently by both

5. Democracy Government derives its POWER from the consent of the PEOPLE.
“We the People…do ordain and establish this Constitution”
Voters are ultimate governing authority

6. Separation of Powers
Power of national government divided among three branches.
Legislative
House of Representatives
Power to initiate tax bills
Senate
Executive
President
Judicial
Supreme Court

7. Checks and balances
Ensured that the power of each branch was limited by a competing power in another branch
Keeps power BALANCED between the branches and IN CHECK so that no branch becomes too powerful
Examples
Legislature has power to pass laws but the President can veto them
Legislature can override the veto with a supermajority vote
President has power to make treaties but they have to be ratified by the Senate
President and members of the Judiciary can be removed from office through impeachment by the Legislature

8. Checks and balances

9. Bill of Rights 1st Ten Amendments of the Constitution
Promised to the Anti-Federalists in exchange for ratification of the Constitution
Limited the power of the government from infringing on individual rights
Freedom of speech, religion, press, and assembly
Protections against unfair trials, harsh punishments, unreasonable searches and seizures
Right to bear arms (own weapons)