7 Principles of the Constitution

1. 7 Principles of the Constitution How Does the Constitution Work

2. Popular Sovereignty • Definition – A government in which the people rule. • This does not mean they get to vote, it means they participate. • Example – People can run for office, campaign for individuals who run, or protest decisions made by others.

3. Republicanism • Definition – People vote for people to represent their views. (Representative Government) • You cannot have the whole population vote on everything, so you vote for people who share similar beliefs and allow them to vote on your behalf.

4. Federalism • Definition – A system of government in which powers are shared by the state and national governments. • Example – Both national and state governments have the right to pass and enforce laws but only the national government can print money.

5. Separation of Power • Definition – Divides the roles of government into 3 branches (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). • Why? – So that no one person or one group of people control everything and become too powerful.

6. Checks and Balances • Definition – Each of the 3 branches of government has a little control, or check, on the other 2 branches. • This balances power between the 3, ensuring that none of the branches get out of control. • Example – Federal judges are nominated by the President, but have to be approved by Congress.

7. Limited Government • Definition – Everybody has to follow the same laws, even members of the government. • Example – If a Representative killed a man, he/she would face a trial just like everybody else.

8. Individual Rights • Definition – Personal liberties and privileges that people are born with and cannot be taken away. • The Bill of Rights was created to list all of these rights so people know when the governments tries to take them away.