2. The Principles of the United States Constitution

3. 2 Characteristics of American Democracy Popular consent Popular sovereignty Limited Government Federalism Separation of Power Checks and Balances Rule of Law Civil society

4. I. Popular Sovereignty  The people hold the ultimate authority  A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.  “We the people”

5. II. Limited Government  Framers wanted to guard against tyranny  Government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution.  The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

6. III. Federalism  The division of power between State and National Governments  Some powers are shared  The National Government has the “supreme power”

7. IV. Separation of Powers  No one holds “too much” power  Legislative branch makes the laws  Executive branch carries out the laws  Judicial branch interprets the laws

8. Legislative Branch  Senate and House of Representatives  Make our laws  Appropriate Money  Regulate Immigration  Establish Post Offices and Roads  Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation  Declare War  Necessary and Proper

9. Executive Branch  The President of the United States  Chief Executive  Chief of State  Chief Legislator  Commander in Chief

10. Judicial Branch  Supreme Court and other Federal Courts  Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution  Considers cases involving national laws  Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

11. V. Checks and Balances  Prevents the abuse of power in government  Each branch can check each other branch

12. Executive Checks  Propose laws to Congress  Veto laws made by Congress  Negotiate foreign treaties  Appoint federal judges  Grant pardons to federal offenders

13. Legislative Checks  Override president’s veto  Ratify treaties  Confirm executive appointments  Impeach federal officers and judges  Create and dissolve lower federal courts

14. Judicial Checks  Declare executive acts unconstitutional  Declare laws unconstitutional  Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional  The Supreme Court holds the final check

15. Rule of Law No person is above the law The Constitution is the basis for all laws