1. Goals and Principles of the Constitution
The Ideas Behind “We the People”

2. Parts of Constitution Preamble = opening statement “We the people”
7 Articles:
Article 1: Legislative Branch
Article 2: Executive Branch
Article 3: Judicial Branch
Article 4: Relations between the States
Article 5: Amending process
Article 6: Constitution is Supreme Law of Land
Article 7: Ratification process

3. Parts of Constitution Continues
Amendments
1st 10 amendments = Bill of Rights
27 in total

4. 6 Goals of Preamble #1 – Form a more perfect union
States should work together as a unified nation
#2 – Establish Justice
Uniform system needed to settle legal disputes and apply the law fairly
#3 – Insure Domestic Tranquility
Keep peace and order at home

5. 6 Goals of Preamble #4 – Provide for the Common Defense
Protect citizens against foreign attack.
#5 – Promote the General Welfare
National government can protect and promote the well being of the citizens – Example National Institutes of Health
#6 – Secure the Blessing of Liberty
Maintain freedom for future generations

6. Principles of Government
Popular Sovereignty
Government gets its authority from the people = social contract
People have the right to change or abolish their government

7. Principles of Government
Limited Government
Government only has the powers listed in the Constitution
Even the President must obey the law

8. Principles of Government
Separation of Powers
Government is divided into 3 branches
Executive (headed by President) carries out the laws
Legislative (Congress) makes the laws
Judicial (courts) explains and interprets the laws

9. Principles of Government
Checks and Balances
Safeguard against the abuse of power by any one branch
Each branch has the power to limit the actions of the other two
Example: President can Veto a Congressional Bill
Example: Congress can impeach the President
Example: Supreme Court can rule a law unconstitutional

10. Principles of Government
Federalism
Division of power between federal (national) government and the states.
Example: Fed. Government can declare war and State Governments can establish schools

11. Principles of Government
Republicanism
Republican form of government = citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf in government. However, once in office, representatives vote according to their own judgment, but must listen to the opinions of the people they represent

12. Principles of Government
Individual Rights
Bill of Rights established the protection of individual rights such as freedom of speech, religion, right to a trial by jury, etc.