1. The Six Basic Principles
of the Constitution

2. The Constitution is the “Supreme law of the land.”

3. Constitutional Outline
The Preamble- introduction, basic outline
7 Articles
1-3 National Government
I. Legislative branch
II. Executive branch
III. Judicial

4. IV. Relations among the states
V. Amending the Constitution
VI. Constitution is the Supreme law
VII. Ratifying the Constitution
27 Amendments follow

5. Principle # 1: Popular Sovereignty
The National government draws its power from the people of the United States

6. Principle # 2: Limited Government
The government has only the authority the people have given it.
Constitutionalism/ rule of law- government and those who govern must obey the law.

7. Principle # 3: Separation of Powers
Power is distributed evenly between Congress, the President and the courts.

8. Principle # 4: Checks and Balances
Each branch has certain checks (restraints) against the other two.
EXAMPLES
Presidential Veto
2/3 vote in each house
Courts may declare acts of Congress unconstitutional
impeachment

10. Principle #5: Judicial Review
Courts determine if what the government does abides by the constitution.
Unconstitutional- to declare illegal a government action that goes against the constitution.

11. Principle # 6: Federalism
Division of power among a central government and several regional governments.