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The Principles of the United States Constitution

The Principles of the United States Constitution. I. Popular Sovereignty. The people hold the ultimate authority A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.

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The Principles of the United States Constitution

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  1. The Principles of the United States Constitution

  2. I. Popular Sovereignty • The people hold the ultimate authority • A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them. • Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Scott Brown and Rep. James McGovern are our elected officials in Congress

  3. II. Limited Government • Framers of the Constitution wanted to guard against tyranny • Government only has the power given to it by the Constitution • The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their powers can be removed

  4. III. Federalism • The division of power between state and federal governments • Some powers are shared • The federal government has the “supreme power”

  5. IV. Separation of Powers • Ensures no branch holds “too much” power • Legislative branch makes the laws • Executive branch carries out the laws • Judicial branch interprets the laws

  6. Legislative Branch • Senate and House of Representatives • Makes our laws • Appropriates money • Regulates immigration • Establishes post offices and roads • Regulates interstate commerce and transportation • Declares war

  7. Executive Branch • The President of the United States • Chief Executive • Chief of State • Chief Legislator • Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces

  8. Judicial Branch • Supreme Court and other federal courts • Preserves and protects the rights guaranteed by the Constitution • Considers cases involving national laws • Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

  9. V. Checks and Balances • Prevents the abuse of power in government • Each branch can “check” another branch

  10. Executive Checks • Proposes laws to Congress • Vetoes laws made by Congress • Negotiates foreign treaties • Appoints federal judges • Grants pardons to federal offenders

  11. Legislative Checks • Overrides president’s veto • Ratifies treaties • Confirms executive appointments • Removes federal officers and judges • Creates and dissolves lower federal courts

  12. Judicial Checks • Declares executive acts unconstitutional • Declares laws unconstitutional • Declares acts of Congress unconstitutional • The Supreme Court holds the final check

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