1. Preview 5/2/16
In your notebook, answer the following question in 3-5 complete sentences.
Why is the Constitution important to our country?
The Constitution is important because….

2. Learning Target: We will identify how the Texas Constitution reflects the principles of limited government, republicanism, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights
Language Objective: We will describe how the Texas Constitution is influenced by the United State Constitution.
Success Criteria: I will compare the principles and concepts of the Texas Constitution to the U. S. Constitution, including the Texas and U. S. Bill of Rights.

3. The Constitution Small Group Talk
Think (30 seconds): Silently think about the question below.
Why did the Fathers of Texas use the U.S. Constitution as an example for the Texas Constitution?
Write (60 seconds): Silently write down your answer to the question.
The U.S. Constitution was used as an example because…
Share with your partner what you wrote down:
Partner A (30 secs)
Partner B (30secs)
Share with the class: 3 Students

4. F.L.I.P.R.C.S. Federalism Limited Government Individual Rights
Popular Sovereignty
Republicanism
Checks and Balances
Separation of Powers
Seven Principles of the Constitution
You will need to write the all definitions down

5. Federalism
Powers divided between the national government and the state government.

6. Limited Government
The powers of the government are limited by the Constitution.

7. Individual Rights
Rights protected by the Bill of Rights

8. Popular Sovereignty
The power of the government comes from the people.

9. Republicanism
A democracy where people elect representatives to make decisions (president, congress, etc.)

10. Checks and Balances
The 3 branches of government check (limit) the power of the other two.

12. Separation of Powers
3 branches; keeps any person or group from gaining too much power

13. I Spy
Each group will look through the Texas Constitution finding the seven principles of the Constitution.
When the principle has been found you will need to write down where it is next to definition you have in your notebook

14. Who has the Power?
The Framers of the United States Constitution in wanted to safeguard our freedoms by limiting the powers of the national government. They were worried the new government and its leaders would gain too much power. By creating three distinct branches with separate powers, the Framers hoped to prevent abuse of power. Using the U.S. Constitution match the departments, positions, and powers to the correct branch by making a check mark in the correct box showing which branch is responsible for each item listed.

15. Who has the Power?

18. Small Group Talk
Of the 7 principles from today’s class, which one do you think is the most important?
Be prepared to defend your claim with 2 sentences.