1. 7 principles of the Constitution (Pg 37)

2. The Preamble Introduction to the US Constitution – 1 sentence
States where power comes from
Lists the 6 goals of US government
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

3. The power of the US government is in the hands of the people
“We the People of the United States”
The power of the US government is in the hands of the people
“Form a more perfect union”
Act as one country
“Establish justice”
The law must be reasonable, fair, and impartial
“Insure domestic tranquility”
Keep peace within the country; maintain order at home

4. Preamble “Provide for the common defense”
Protect US interests in the world
“Promote the general welfare”
Provide people with basic services
“Secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity”
Guarantee our freedoms today and for future generations

5. Section 4-4 Power to the people
The Framers had a common vision for the government: It should be representative of the people and limited in scope. 
Power should be divided among different levels. 
To achieve these ends, the Framers embraced five principles as the backbone of the Constitution: popular sovereignty, rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, independent judiciary, individual rights and federalism.
(pages 89–90)
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Section 4-4

6. Section 4-5 Popular Sovereignty
Article IV guarantees a republic, in which supreme power belongs to the people (popular sovereignty). 
The people express their will through elected representatives. 
Provisions, such as those about the right to vote, ensure popular sovereignty.
Amendments have expanded this power
15th Amendment- 1870(African-Americans)
17th Amendment-1913 (public elects Senators)
19th Amendment- 1920( Women)
26th Amendment (lowers the age to 18)
(pages 89–90)
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Section 4-5

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Popular Sovereignty (cont.)
What does “popular sovereignty” mean?
Popular sovereignty is the notion that power lies with the people. Taken apart, “sovereignty” means the right to rule and “popular,” in this case, means the population or public.
(pages 89–90)
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Section 4-6

8. Rule of Law
The Framers believed the government should be strong but not too strong. 
The Constitution sets limits by stating what government may and may not do. 
Government is also limited by the rule of law. 
This means that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern.
(page 90)
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Section 4-7

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Rule of Law (cont.)
How does the rule of law limit government?
The rule of law means that no one is above the law, even government leaders. No one may break the law or escape its reach and provides for ways to remove politicians who break the law.
(page 90)
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Section 4-8

10. Section 4-9 Separation of Powers
To keep any one person or group from becoming too powerful, the Framers divided government into three branches with different functions. 
This split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is called the separation of powers.
(page 91)
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Section 4-9

11. Separation of Powers Constituency
Legislative
House of Reps
directly to the people
Senate
Directly to the people after the 17th amendment
Judicial
Chosen by the President
Approved by the Senate
Executive
Electoral College

12. Separation of Powers Legislative Law Makers Congress Judicial
House of Reps
Senate
Judicial
Law- interpreters
Supreme Court
Federal Courts
State Courts
Executive
Law-Enforcers
Presidents
V.P.
Cabinet

13. Separation of Powers Term Length
Legislative
House of Reps
2 yrs
Senate
6 yrs
Judicial
Life
Ability to impeach if necessary
Executive
President
4 yrs
2 term limit
22nd Amendment

14. Section 4-11 Checks and Balances
Checks and balances keep any one branch from becoming too powerful. 
Each branch can check, or restrain, the power of the others. 
For example, the president can veto laws, Congress can block presidential appointments, and the Supreme Court can overturn laws it finds contrary to the Constitution.
(page 91–92)
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Section 4-11

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Checks and Balances (cont.)
What are some ways that Congress can check the powers of the other branches?
Congress can block presidential appointments and treaties, control spending by the executive branch, and, in cases of serious wrongdoing, remove the president from office. Congress can also reject judicial appointments and remove unfit judges.
(page 91–92)
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Section 4-12

16. Federalism
Under federalism, power is shared by the national government and the states. 
Americans must obey the laws of both. 
Enumerated or expressed powers are powers the Constitution specifically grants to the national government. 
Powers not given to the national government are reserved powers kept by the states. 
Powers that both levels of government can exercise are concurrent powers.
(pages 92–93)
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Section 4-13

17. Section 4-14 Federalism (cont.)
When national and state laws conflict, the Constitution is the final authority. 
Neither the national nor state governments may act in violation of it. 
It provides the government sufficient power to keep order, protect, and defend, yet sets limits to avoid tyranny.
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Section 4-14

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Federalism (cont.)
What are some examples of concurrent powers?
Concurrent powers include the power to enforce the laws, establish courts, collect taxes, borrow money, and provide for the general welfare.
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Section 4-15

19. Section 4-11 Independent Judiciary
Independent Judiciary keeps the politics out of the court system. 
The judicial branch is established as an independent entity. 
The Supreme court is the hightestauthority in the federal court system
(page 91–92)
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Section 4-11

20. Section 4-11 Individual Rights
Rights and Liberties are protected multiple times from government involvement
The amendments are a continuing expansion of this principal
(page 91–92)
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Section 4-11

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Checking for Understanding
Define Match the terms on the right with their definitions on the left.
__ 1. the split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
__ 2. a system in which each branch of government is able to check, or restrain, the power of the others
__ 3. the notion that power lies with the people
__ 4. principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern A
A. separation of powers
B. popular sovereignty
C. rule of law
D. checks and balances D B C
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Section 4-16