1. Notes: Principles of the United States Constitution
Separation of Powers
Federalism
Checks and Balances
Amending the Constitution

2. Principles of the United States Constitution, Notes

3. Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people.
During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.

4. Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people.
During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.
Checks and Balances
The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful
The President can veto a bill

5. Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people.
During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.
Checks and Balances
The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful
The President can veto a bill
Limited Government
A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms
Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms

6. Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people.
During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.
Checks and Balances
The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful
The President can veto a bill
Limited Government
A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms
Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms
Judicial Review
Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress or President unconstitutional
Supreme Court may rule a law to be Unconstitutional

7. Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people.
During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.
Checks and Balances
The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful
The President can veto a bill
Limited Government
A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms
Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms
Judicial Review
Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress or President unconstitutional
Supreme Court may rule a law to be Unconstitutional
Federalism
In this governmental system, power is divided between state and national government
National government may declare war; state governments set up school system

8. Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power and authority resides in the people.
During elections, citizens vote for their leaders.
Checks and Balances
The idea that each branch has certain powers over each other, to ensure no branch becomes too powerful
The President can veto a bill
Limited Government
A system in which the power of the government is not absolute and cannot take away individual freedoms
Amendment 22 limits presidential terms; Bill of Rights ensures freedoms
Judicial Review
Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of Congress or President unconstitutional
Supreme Court may rule a law to be Unconstitutional
Federalism
In this governmental system, power is divided between state and national government
National government may declare war; state governments set up school system
Separation of Powers
The idea of having three branches of government, each with its own functions
The legislative branch makes laws; executive branch enforces laws; Judicial branch interprets laws

9. Using the information from the front, complete the back page matching
For each answer, give an explanation as to why it is the correct answer.

10. Back page matching, Key

11. Separation of Powers, notes
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Makes laws
Enforces laws
Interprets laws

12. Federalism, notes Delegated Powers Reserved Powers Concurrent Powers
Federal Government
State Government
Shared Powers
What are the powers given only to the Federal Government called?
Delegated Powers
What are the powers given only to the State Government called?
Reserved Powers
What are the powers given to the Federal & State Governments called?
Concurrent Powers
Examples:
Propose amendments
Declare war
Examples :
Death penalty
Bike Helmets
Licensing
Tax
Speed limits

13. Checks and Balances, notes
Judicial Branch
can declare laws
Judicial Review
unconstitutional
Judicial Review
can declare presidential actions
unconstitutional
Impeach
Nominate Judges
Veto
Nominate officials to office
Impeach
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Override veto by 2/3 vote of both houses
Senate – Confirm Presidential Appointments

14. The Constitution and the Amendment Process

15. Steps in Amending the Constitution
What is an Amendment? A change or addition to the Constitution
What are the two steps to amend the Constitution?
Proposal and Ratification

16. By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate
Methods of Proposal
Method 1
By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate
[most common method of proposing an amendment]

17. By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate
Methods of Proposal
Method 2
By national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures
[This method has never been used]
Method 1
By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate
[most common method of proposing an amendment] Or

18. Methods of Ratification

19. Methods of Ratification
By legislatures in ¾ of the states
[in all but one case, this is how amendments have been ratified]

20. Methods of Ratification
Ratified through conventions in ¾ of the states.
[Only been used once to ratify the 21st Amendment]
Method 1
By legislatures in ¾ of the states
[in all but one case, this is how amendments have been ratified] Or

21. Amendment Process Methods of Proposal Methods of Ratification Method 1
By 2/3 vote in both the House and the Senate
Method 1
By legislatures in ¾ of the states Or Or
Method 2
Ratified through conventions in ¾ of the states.
Method 2
By national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures

22. Complete the Equal Rights Amendment page on back of Amendment process notes