1. 7 Principles of the Constitution

2. Federalism Federalism is what we say in Austin, Texas, USA.
National
Texas
Power is divided and shared between different levels of government.
State
Round Rock
Local
Federalism is what we say in
Austin,
Texas,
USA.

3. Popular Sovereignty Kings are sovereign and they think that’s cool,
Government gets its power from the people.
Example : “We the People”
-Constitution
No More Kings
Kings are sovereign and they think that’s cool,
but here in the states the people rule!

4. Republicanism Citizens rule through elected representatives.
Representing the people everyday.
Got to have our votes, if they want to stay in their position.
Preamble

5. Limited Government
Power of the government is limited by laws and regulations.
Example: 10th Amendment
Don’t want a nation that pushes and shoves.
That’s why the states and the people have limited government.
They can’t just do what they want.

6. Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
Each branch of government has a check on the other two branches.
No one branch is too powerful.
*Executive branch (president) vetoes what they do not like of the legislative laws, and then makes sure laws are followed.
*Judicial (Supreme Court) overturns laws that are made that they see as unconstitutional (goes against the U.S. Constitution).
*Legislative (Congress – House of Representative and Senate) overrides vetoes with a 2/3 majority vote.

7. Individual Rights Can’t take away my liberty! I’ll put up a fight!
Our individual rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
Example: Unalienable Rights
Can’t take away my liberty!
I’ll put up a fight!
Constitution says I have Individual Rights!

8. Separation of Powers Legislative makes laws.
Three Ring Circus
Each branch has its own job and is in charge of something different.
Example: Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the Constitution
Legislative makes laws.
Executive makes sure laws are followed.
Judicial interprets the laws.
So the Constitution says!