2. The U.S. Constitution Popular Sovereignty Federalism Separation of Powers Limited Government Checks & Balances Flexibility Unwritten Constitution

3. This is the first and most basic principle! The power of the government rests with the people Evidence of this… -The first words of the Preamble are “We the People…” -People choose their own representatives in elections

4. The sharing of power between National (Federal) Government and State Government  Grant Licenses  Regulate Education  Provide Police Force  Regulate Property Sales within State  Declare War  Negotiate Treaties  Issue Money  Regulate Interstate Commerce  Regulate Foreign Trade  Levy Taxes  Define Crimes  Punishment  Borrow Money  Hold Elections * Powers given to the National Govt.** Powers held by the State Govt’s* * Powers held by BOTH*

5. Makes it difficult for one individual or group to gain control over the entire gov’t

7.  Power is limited and regulated by the Constitution  Preamble – lists the purposes of the federal government Establish justice Insure domestic tranquility Promote the general welfare Secure liberties Powers denied to the Federal Government Powers denied to both Federal & State Governments Powers denied to the State Government To suspend the writ of habeas corpus, except in times of war To spend money without Congressional approval To pass ex post facto laws To pass bills of attainder To grant titles of nobility To tax exports To deny persons due process of law To coin money To enter into treaties To tax imports To tax the federal government

8. To make sure that one branch does not become too strong!!! *Joke*

10. The Constitution has the ability to change and adapt to changing situations. Amendment Process- three quarters (3/4) of the states must approve any amendment New Interpretations - the Supreme Court has the job of interpreting the Constitution o The Elastic Clause – (a.k.a. the necessary and proper clause) permits the court to justify new powers o Helps the Court to adapt the Constitution to the needs of the times

14. Practices that became customary even though they were never formally incorporated The Cabinet The Constitution gave the President to appoint people to assist him. Washington started the trend of relying on these people for advice Political Parties The Constitution does not mention political parties. They have played a LARGE role in our government system since Washington was president. Congressional Committees These help Congress select the most important bills out of the thousands proposed. Committees hold hearings, discuss, and evaluate every bill. Judicial Review The Supreme Court has the power to review federal and state laws to determine if they are permissible under the U.S. Constitution.