2. Standard Indicator 8-3.3 The Basic Principles of Government

3. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION 1783-1789 derived its powers from the states too weak to meet the needs of the new nation

4. US CONSTITUTION drawn up in 1787 ratified in 1788 went into effect in 1789 Established a limited government Powers to govern shared between national & state governments

5. US CONSTITUTION cont... Bill of Rights—written guarantee of individual rights Constitution—highest law of land/supreme law of land All laws must conform to Constitution

6. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Popular Sovereignty: Democracy authority for government comes from the people (Amendment IX (9) & Preamble) Individual Rights: Unalienable rights guaranteed to all citizens (Preamble & Bill of Rights) Federalism: division of powers between national government & state governments (10th Amendments)

7. PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT Separation of Powers: 3 branches of government to limit the power of any one branch Legislative Branch: Congress makes the laws, bicameral Executive Branch: headed by president & carries out the laws Judicial Branch: federal courts; highest court is Supreme Court, it determines the constitutionality of laws

8. PRINCIPLES CONTINUED Checks & balances: each branch can check power of the other, keep any branch from becoming too powerful  Example: process of a bill becoming a law; bill passed by Congress and president can sign or veto it, if vetoed Congress can override the veto with 2/3rd’s vote Limited Government: powers restricted by Constitution & Bill of Rights

9. PRINCIPLES CONTINUED Representative Democracy: (republicanism) authority of the government comes from “We, the people” Voters hold the sovereign power but elect representatives to exercise power for them Includes president, Senators, Representatives Most state governments mirror the organization of the national government: 3 branch government, & concepts listed above