The U.S. ConstitutionThe U.S. Constitution

Representative DemocracyRepresentative DemocracyFederalismFederalism

BicameralismBicameralismSeparation of PowersSeparation of PowersChecks and BalancesChecks and Balances

7 principles of Constitution7 principles of Constitution

Popular sovereigntyPopular sovereigntyRepublicanismRepublicanismLimited governmentLimited governmentFederalismFederalismSeparation of powersSeparation of powersChecks and balancesChecks and balances Individual rightsIndividual rights

Popular SovereigntyPopular Sovereignty

Defined as “authority of people”Defined as “authority of people”““We The People”-reinforces the idea We The People”-reinforces the idea

of the Declaration which states of the Declaration which states governments power is derived(comes governments power is derived(comes from) “the consent of the governed”from) “the consent of the governed”

RepublicanismRepublicanism

Voters hold sovereign powerVoters hold sovereign powerPeople elect representatives and give People elect representatives and give

them power to make laws and them power to make laws and conduct government.conduct government.

Today republicanism and Today republicanism and representative democracy mean representative democracy mean same thing.same thing.

Defined as: system of limited Defined as: system of limited government where people of ultimate government where people of ultimate source of governmental power.source of governmental power.

Limited GovernmentLimited Government

Created to make certain the government Created to make certain the government would have only those powers granted would have only those powers granted by the people.by the people.

Article 1 of Constitution states powers Article 1 of Constitution states powers that government has and doesn’t have.that government has and doesn’t have.

Other limits are found in Bill of Rights(1Other limits are found in Bill of Rights(1stst 10 amendments to Constitution)10 amendments to Constitution)

Described as “rule of law” Described as “rule of law” No one above the lawNo one above the law

FederalismFederalism

System of government in which power System of government in which power is distributed between a central is distributed between a central authority and individual states.authority and individual states.

3 types of governmental powers3 types of governmental powersa.a. Delegated powers(also called enumerated Delegated powers(also called enumerated

powers) belong only to federal govt.powers) belong only to federal govt.

b.b. Reserved powers- held by state Reserved powers- held by state governmentgovernment

c.c. Concurrent powers-shared by federal and Concurrent powers-shared by federal and state government.state government.

Separation of PowersSeparation of Powers

3 branch system to prevent one from 3 branch system to prevent one from being too powerfulbeing too powerfulLegislative- law making branchLegislative- law making branchExecutive- enforces the lawsExecutive- enforces the lawsJudicial- interprets the lawJudicial- interprets the law

Checks and BalancesChecks and Balances

Allows each branch to check or limit Allows each branch to check or limit the power of other branches.the power of other branches.example: congress passes a law and the example: congress passes a law and the

president can reject (veto) the law.president can reject (veto) the law.Congress can then override the veto if Congress can then override the veto if

2/3 of both houses vote again to 2/3 of both houses vote again to approve the law.approve the law.

Individual Rights of CitizensIndividual Rights of Citizens

Bill of Rights became a part of Constitution Bill of Rights became a part of Constitution in 1791.in 1791.

Include 1Include 1stst 10 amendments which protect 10 amendments which protect basic liberties and rights that you may basic liberties and rights that you may have taken for granted-including freedom have taken for granted-including freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and the assembly, freedom of religion, and the right to trial by jury.right to trial by jury.

17 amendments follow bill of rights 17 amendments follow bill of rights expand rights of Americans.expand rights of Americans.