1. Representative Democracy
The U.S. Constitution
Representative Democracy
Federalism
Bicameralism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances

2. 7 principles of Constitution
Popular sovereignty
Republicanism
Limited government
Federalism
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
Individual rights

3. Popular Sovereignty Defined as “authority of people”
“We The People”-reinforces the idea of the Declaration which states governments power is derived(comes from) “the consent of the governed”

4. Republicanism Voters hold sovereign power
People elect representatives and give them power to make laws and conduct government.
Today republicanism and representative democracy mean same thing.
Defined as: system of limited government where people of ultimate source of governmental power.

5. Limited Government
Created to make certain the government would have only those powers granted by the people.
Article 1 of Constitution states powers that government has and doesn’t have.
Other limits are found in Bill of Rights(1st 10 amendments to Constitution)
Described as “rule of law”
No one above the law

6. Federalism
System of government in which power is distributed between a central authority and individual states.
3 types of governmental powers
Delegated powers(also called enumerated powers) belong only to federal govt.
Reserved powers- held by state government
Concurrent powers-shared by federal and state government.

7. Separation of Powers
3 branch system to prevent one from being too powerful
Legislative- law making branch
Executive- enforces the laws
Judicial- interprets the law

8. Checks and Balances
Allows each branch to check or limit the power of other branches.
example: congress passes a law and the president can reject (veto) the law.
Congress can then override the veto if 2/3 of both houses vote again to approve the law.

9. Individual Rights of Citizens
Bill of Rights became a part of Constitution in 1791.
Include 1st 10 amendments which protect basic liberties and rights that you may have taken for granted-including freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and the right to trial by jury.
17 amendments follow bill of rights expand rights of Americans.