1. Key Constitutional Principles
THE CONSTITUTION
Key Constitutional Principles

2. Concept 1: Separation of Powers
A way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.
EXAMPLE: Court striking down a law, Presidential veto, Presidential appointment of ambassadors w/ Senate approval

3. Concept 2: Federalism
System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government
EXAMPLE: The power to tax is a concurrent power & both states and federal government can do this

4. Concept 3: Limited Government
A type of government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to protect the citizenry.
National Government
May not violate the Bill of Rights
May not impose export taxes among states
May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill
May not change state boundaries
State Government
May not enter into treaties with other countries
May not print money
May not tax imports or exports
May not Impair obligations of contracts
May not suspend a person's rights without due process

5. Concept 4: Individual Rights/Liberties
The Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments) was added to protect the rights of individuals. This was to ensure the government did not pass or enforce any law that could severely limit the rights of people.
EXAMPLE: Freedom of speech

6. Concept 5: Judicial Review/Independent Judiciary
Powers are granted to the judiciary to review and interpret laws. They may uphold or overturn legislation.
EXAMPLE: Judges serve for life & are “not political”

7. Concept 6: Popular Sovereignty
This concept provides that the people vote for their government. They elect candidates and decide the issues.
EXAMPLE: We are voting in November for Governor! 

8. Cartoon #1 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

9. Cartoon #2 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

10. Cartoon #3 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

11. Cartoon #4 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

12. Cartoon #5 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

13. Cartoon #6 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

14. Cartoon #7 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?