principles of the constitution. elastic clause (necessary & proper clause) ability to “...

Principles of the Principles of the ConstitutionConstitution

Elastic Clause Elastic Clause (Necessary & Proper (Necessary & Proper

Clause)Clause)• Ability to “stretch” the interpretation

of the Constitution• Makes it a flexible document.

• Why is this important to include?

Judicial ReviewJudicial Review

• Ability of the courts to review laws to see if they are upheld by the Constitution.

• Courts can declare laws “unconstitutional”

Popular SovereigntyPopular Sovereignty

• The right of the people to participate in government

• Having the consent of the people and government responsible to the people.

• “People Rule”

VetoVeto

• President can decide not to sign a bill into law, by vetoing it.

• This veto could be overruled by Congress with a 2/3 majority vote.

"I'm Just a Bill"

Amendment ProcessAmendment Process

• Physical changes to the wording of the document.

• First ten amendments = Bill of Rights

• Only 27 amendments have been made in 200+ years.

Limited GovernmentLimited Government

• To ensure that a central government never becomes overly powerful the government can only carry out powers listed in the Constitution.

• Why would the framers make sure to include this in the principles of the Constitution?