1. Constitutional Principles
This Power Point presentation goes with the Mastering the Grade 8 Social Studies TEKS book by Jarrett, Zimmer, and Killoran Chapter 8 Establishing a New Government (pages )

2. Limited Government Government does not have total power.
Government only has the powers specifically granted to it in the Constitution.
Also, there consequences if government does not follow the law.
Explain the political cartoon

3. Republicanism
A democratic form of government in which citizens votes for others to represent them in government.
What is the message in this political cartoon?

4. Popular Sovereignty The people hold the power in government.
The “just” powers of the government come from the people.
The people exercise this power by electing representatives such as Congress and the President.
How do the pictures above relate to popular sovereignty?

5. Federalism The national and state governments share power.
Some power is given to the national government.
Some power is given to the state government.
List some of the powers of the national government.

6. Separation of Powers
The national government is split into 3 different parts.
Each part has its own job:
Executive: enforces laws
Legislative: makes laws
Judicial: interprets laws

7. Checks and Balances
Each branch has checks in place to keep the other branches from becoming too powerful.
Why do you think the Founding Fathers put this in the Constitution?

8. Individual Rights
The Declaration of Independence mentions that all men have individual rights.
These are rights given by God and cannot be taken away.
These rights are listed in the Bill of Rights or 1st 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
Explain the picture

9. Amending the Constitution
Amendment: a change to the Constitution
2/3rds of the Congress must approve the amendment
3/4th of state must affirm the amendment.
The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times.
List some of the reasons the Constitution has been amended.

10. The Elastic Clause
This allows the Congress to pass any law it deems “necessary” to carry out its powers.
This makes the Constitution flexible.
Supreme Court decision have increased Congressional powers greatly because of this clause.
This is also called the “Necessary and Proper Clause.” Do you think this is a beneficial or harmful idea? Explain your answer.

11. Lesson Suggestion
Constitutional Principles Activity