1. 7 Principles of the Constitution

2. How to remember the 7 principles:
“People like rootbeer floats, Skittles, and chocolate ice cream.”
People=Popular Sovereignty
Like=Limited Government
Rootbeer=Republicanism
Floats=Federalism
Skittles=Separation of Powers
Chocolate=Checks and Balances
Ice Cream=Individual Rights

3. Principle: Popular Sovereignty
Explanation
Example
The people are the final authority in government. The government receives its authority from the PEOPLE.
“We the People” from the preamble.

4. Principle: Limited Government
Explanation
Example
The government is NOT all-powerful. It is limited to the power given to it by the Constitution.
The government must obey the same laws as all Americans.

5. Principle: Republicanism
Explanation
Example
The people rule through elected representatives.
U.S. citizens elect Congress & the President.

6. Principle: Federalism
Explanation
Example
The sharing of power between the state and federal (national) governments.
Federal power- defense
State power- education and marriage laws

7. Principle: Separation of Powers
Explanation
Example
The power of the national government is separated into 3 equal branches
Legislative: Makes laws
Executive: Enforces laws
Judicial: Judges laws

8. Principle: Checks and Balances
Explanation
Example
Each branch of the national government has the ability to check, or control, the power of the other 2 branches.
The president can veto a bill. OR Senate approves Presidential appointments

9. Principle: Individual Rights
Explanation
Example
Unalienable rights of the people that the government must protect.
Freedom of religion, assembly, press, petition, & speech are protected in the Bill of Rights.