1. Principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
UNIT I – Foundations of American Government
Day 5
CONCEPT: Principles and Ideals

2. Federalism separate from
Form of government in which the power is divided between the national government and the states
separate from

3. Separation of Powers
Split of authority amongst the government into 3 separate branches – each deals with the law in a different manner

4. Checks and Balances
Ensures that one branch will not become stronger than the other
Allows each branch to check, or restrain, the power of the others

5. Popular Sovereignty
Concept that power of the government is in the hands of the people

6. Limited Government
Power of the government is limited and not absolute

7. Rule of law
The law applies to EVERYONE, even those who govern

8. Due Process
The PROCESS of law (arrest, trial, etc.) is DUE to everyone

9. Why do we follow these principles and ideals?

10. influences Major sources of influence include Great Britain Colonies
Enlightenment
Thinkers

11. British Influence Magna Carta (1215) First limit placed on the king
Protected the nobles’ privileges and upheld their authority, rights given to all landholders
Equal treatment under the law
Trial by jury of peers
Not even the King/Queen was above the law
Which principles are at use here?
Limited government
Rule of law
Due Process

12. British Influence English Bill of Rights (1689)
Clarified the new relationship between the King, Parliament, and the people
Members of Parliament freely elected
King can’t impose taxes w/o Parliament’s approval
Right to a fair trial
Elimination of cruel and unusual punishment
Which principles are at use here?
Limited government
Popular Sovereignty
Due Process

13. Colonial Influence House of Burgesses (1619)
Representative assembly in Virginia that made laws for the people living in the colony
Which principles are at use here?
Popular Sovereignty
Separation of Powers

14. Colonial Influence Mayflower Compact (1620)
Direct democracy created by Pilgrims for self-government on their voyage to the New World; government would be based on the “consent of the governed”
Which principles are at use here?
Popular Sovereignty

15. Enlightenment Influence
The age of Enlightenment was during the 1600s and 1700s
Began in Europe, moved to American colonies
Challenged traditional ideas of government
Major thinkers
Locke, Montisquieu, Rousseau, Hobbes
Complete thinkers assignment