1. American Government
Chapter 3
Section 1

2. Six Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Federalism

3. Popular Sovereignty Populace is the ultimate source of authority
Consent of the Governed
Comes from John Locke

4. Limited Government Government must follow the laws of the nation.
Nation of Laws vs. Nation of Men
No Person is Above the Law

5. Separation of Powers Government is split into three branches
Legislature – Makes Laws
Judiciary – Interprets Laws
Executive – Enforces Laws

6. Checks and Balances Each Branch holds some power over the Other Two
Ensures no one branch Gaining Too Much Power

7. Executive Appoints Judges Approves or Vetoes Legislation
Commander in Chief of Armed Forces

8. Legislature Confirms Executive Appointments
Can Over-ride veto with Two-thirds majority vote
Power of the Purse – Controls spending

9. Judiciary Interprets the Constitution Judicial Review
Life terms once confirmed

10. Judicial Review
Power to declare an Act of the President or the Congress Unconstitutional
Usually exercised in landmark court cases
Supreme Judicial body of the Nation

11. Federalism Two Levels of the Government National and Local Levels
Extended down to Cities, etc.
Some powers specific to each level, some shared