Principles of the Constitution

1. Principles of the Constitution

2. 6 Principles of the Constitution • The constitution was planned on certain principles (basic truth, law, or assumption) • The 6 principles are • Popular Sovereignty • Limited Government • Separation of Powers • Checks and Balances • Judicial Review • Federalism

3. Popular Sovereignty • The Preamble of the Constitution begins with this bold phrase: “We the people….” These words tell people that in the US, the people establish the government and give it its power. • Definition: people hold all power because they elect the leaders of the national and state governments

4. Limited Government • The Constitution sets limits on the power the government has • Government must obey the law according to the principles of the Constitution • The government and its officers are never above the law

5. Separation of Powers • Government power is not only limited; it is also divided • Constitution assigns power to each of the three branches • Legislative (Congress)- makes the laws • Executive (President)- enforces the laws • Judicial (Federal Courts)- interprets the laws • Separation of powers prevents a misuse of power by any of the three branches

6. Checks and Balances • Limits are placed on each branch to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful • These limits extend the restrictions established by the separation of powers • Branches have the authority to restrain the actions of either of the two branches • Prevents tyranny by one branch

7. Judicial Review • Supreme Court decides whether a branch has overstepped their limits • They review the governmental actions and cancel (nullify) any that are unconstitutional

8. Federalism • Definition: government system in which power is divided between the national and state governments • Both levels have their own agencies and pass laws that affect citizens • Helps keep the national government powerful but not too powerful to threaten the state governments