1. Key Constitutional Principles
THE CONSTITUTION
Key Constitutional Principles

2. Concept 1: Separation of Powers
A way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.

3. Concept 2: Checks and Balances
A government structure that gives each of the three branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the others

4. Concept 3: Federalism
System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government

5. Principles of the Constitution
Federalism
Why was this feature essential to include?
How did this lead to the rise of political parties?
Examples in the Constitution?
How is the amendment process a good example?

6. The Amendment Process Proposal Ratification
2/3 of both Houses of Congress
3/4 of State Legislatures
Constitution Amended
2/3 call a National Convention
3/4 of State Ratifying Conventions

7. Concept 4: Limited Government
National Government
May not violate the Bill of Rights
May not impose export taxes among states
May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill
May not change state boundaries
A type of government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to protect the citizenry.
State Government
May not enter into treaties with other countries
May not print money
May not tax imports or exports
May not Impair obligations of contracts
May not suspend a person's rights without due process

8. Principles of the Constitution
Limited Government
Examples in the Constitution?
Habeas corpus
No Bill of Attainder
No ex post facto law
Trial by jury in criminal cases
Full Faith & Credit clause
No religious test for office
Extradition

9. Concept 5: Popular Sovereignty
Idea that the people have ultimate authority over our government.
Voting
Campaigning
Running for office
Canvassing
Petitioning the government

10. Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty
Examples in the Constitution?
House
Examples of limits & mistrust?
Restrictions on electorate
Senate
Electoral College
Amendment Process

11. Concept 6: Judicial Review
The power of the national judiciary to declare whether laws and actions are in violation of the Constitution.
Power is implied through the Court’s power to interpret the laws.
vs.

12. Principles of the Constitution
Judicial Review
Origins? Politics?
How does this “Flow” with the Framers’ intentions?
How does it aid democracy?
How is this a limitation of democracy?

13. Principles of the Constitution
Why include these Principles?
Aristotelian view: Gov’t should improve human nature by cultivating virtue.
Madisonian view: This type of Gov’t too strong & dangerous…self-interest must prevail with limits.

14. Cartoon #1 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

15. Cartoon #2 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

16. Cartoon #3 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

17. Cartoon #4 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?