1. Basic Principals of the Constitution
1. Popular sovereignty: All power comes from the people, consent of the governed
2. Rule of Law: There are limits on what Government can do
Individual rights that can’t be taken away from the people
3. Separation of Powers/Checks & Balances:
Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches are independent but equal
Each has a specific job to do

2. 5 Principles of the Constitution
4 (Cont). Checks and Balances
-Powers of the Govt. branches overlap so that they limit each other's actions
Legislative Branch:
Congress creates programs to carry out laws
2/3 vote overrides veto
Senate has power over Executive (President)
Approving Treaties
Ambassadors to other countries
Federal Judges
Congress can Declare War
Impeachment: House of Reps may impeach, Senate may hold trial for removal from office
Executive Branch:
Veto legislation of Congress
Executive appoints Judicial/Supreme Court Justices
President is Commander-in-Chief of military
Judicial Branch:
Can Declare laws/acts passed by Congress to be unconstitutional
Can declare an Executive/Presidential action to be unconstitutional

3. Basic Principals of the Constitution
Separation of Powers/Checks & Balances (Cont):
allows the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to check, or limit, the powers each has.
Keeps one branch from getting too powerful
President can veto bills passed by congress
Congress can override veto with 2/3 majority
Courts can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional

4. Basic Principals of the Constitution
5. Federalism: Power is divided between the national, and state governments

5. What is Federalism (definition)?
Federalism: A system of government where a Constitution delegates (divides) power between National and State governments
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Local Governments: Their powers come from the States

6. Characteristics/Benefits of Federalism?
Federalism Creates 2 basic levels of Government:
Federal/National Government
State Governments
Power is DIVIDED between each
Group by the CONSTITUTION
Benefits of Federalism:
Allows the National Government to deal with issues that effect everybody across the country (national laws for national issues)
Ex: Military, Post office, coining money
Allows States to deal with issues that may be unique to them (state/local laws for state/local issues)
Ex: Jarod’s law, driving regulations, gay marriage