1. The Impact of the U.S. Constitution

2. Basic Principles 1. Authority comes from the people
The people formed the U.S. government
First line of the Constitution:
“We the people of the United States do ordain and establish this constitution “

3. Basic Principles
2. The Social Contract
The Constitution is an agreement between the people and their government.
The main purpose of government is to protect individual rights

4. Basic Principles 3. Individual Rights Every person has natural rights.
A person cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without a trial

5. Basic Principles 4. Rule of Law
No one is above the law, not even the king
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land

6. Basic Principles 5. Limited Government
The government’s power is limited by law

7. Basic Principles 6. Consent of the Governed
Leaders represent the people

8. Basic Principles 7. Separation of Powers
Power is divided among three branches
Congress makes laws, President enforces the law, Supreme Court interprets the law

9. Basic Principles 8. Balance of Power
Each branch checks the power of the other two
No branch becomes too powerful