1. Chapter 3, Section 4 Principles Underlying the Constitution

2. Main Idea Framers of the Constitution designed a government that incorporated five basic principles. Framers of the Constitution designed a government that incorporated five basic principles.

3. I. Major Principles of Gov’t (86-88) A. The framers had a common vision for government. It should be representative of the people and limited. ***Our framers embraced 5 principles that would be backbone to our nation…***

4. 1. Popular Sovereignty- the supreme power belongs to the people. ***People express themselves through elected representatives.*** ***We have the right to vote for those people! (age 18)***

5. 2. Rule of law (90) A. The framers believed the government should be strong but not too strong. B. The Constitution sets limits by stating what the government may and may not do. C. Rule of Law- law applies to all, even government!!!

6. 3. Separation of Powers (91) A. Separation of Powers- Splitting the authority to all three branches of our government. ***legislative, executive, and judicial branches.*** B. To keep any one person or group from becoming TOO powerful. We have 3 branches for a reason.

7. 4. Checks and Balances (91-92) A. Checks and Balances- Keep any one branch from becoming TOO powerful. Each branch can check up on one another. Ex: President can veto laws, Congress can block Presidential appointments, and Supreme Court can overturn laws!

8. 5. Federalism A. Federalism- power is divided into the national government and the states. ***Americans must obey the laws of both.*** B. Expressed Powers- Powers the constitution specifically grants to the national government. C. Reserved Powers- Powers reserved for the states.

9. D. Concurrent Powers- Powers that both national & state have. E. When national and state laws conflict, Constitution is the FINAL AUTHORITY! ***Neither national nor state laws can conflict with it.***

10. F. The Constitution is both durable and adaptable. ***It provides the sufficient power to keep order, protect, and defend, yet sets limits to its power.***

11. Mini Quiz!!! Collective Soul - Run Mini Quiz!!! Collective Soul - Run 1. The Founding Fathers established how many main principles to our government? 2. The law applies to everyone, even the President. What is that called? 3. Powers shared by national and state government? 4. Powers given to the state? 5. Powers specifically given to the national government and listed in the Constitution? 6. What are Checks & Balances?