Major Principles of the Constitution

Goals/Focus

0Be able to identify the Seven Major Principles of the Constitution.

0Give an Example of how each principle applies to today.

What Are Principles?0A General statement of moral or

political belief.0They are the rules/laws set forth in

the Constitution.0Provide solutions to problems of a

representative government.

What Are Those Principles?

There are Seven Major Principles:1. Popular Sovereignty2. Republicanism3. Limited Government4. Federalism5. Separation of Powers6. Checks and Balances7. Individual Rights

1.Popular Sovereignty

0 “We The People”…?0We the People reinforces the idea

of “authority of the people”. 0We the people are under the rule of

the government, ONLY because we give the government consent to do so.

2. Republicanism

0The people hold the power and elect representatives.0The representatives are responsible to make laws and

to conduct government.

3. Limited Government0 Idea is to prevent the strong

central government from gaining to

much power.

0Government only has powers granted by the people.

Protection from Government

0Government only has powersgranted to it by the people.

0Government is also limited by the Constitution as Article I states what it can not do to individuals or states.

0Example: Bill Of Rights0RULE OF LAW: No people

or groups are above the law.

4. Federalism

0Power is shared between the National and State Government.

0 Individual states can address issues that only effect their state.

0 if the issue is one that effects all Americans, then the National Government has authority.

3 Types of Government powers1. Enumerated powers: belong only to the federal

government.2. Reserved powers: Powers retained by the state.3. Concurrent powers: powers shared by state and

federal government.

Enumerated ReservedConcurrent

StateFederal

The Federal SystemNational National & State State

Enumerated Powers:•Regulate Trade•Coin Money•Provide an Army and Navy•Conduct Foreign affairs•Set up Federal Courts

Concurrent Powers:•Enforce Laws•Establish Courts•Collect Taxes•Borrow Money•Provide for the general welfare

Reserved Powers: •Regulate trade within the state•Establish local government •Conduct elections•Establish schools

5. Separation of Powers0Each branch of Government has its’ own responsibilities to

help prevent corruption.

0Each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches.

6. Checks &Balances

7. Individual Rights0Basic Liberties and rights of all

citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

0Bill of Rights became part of the Constitution in 1791.

0The first 10 Amendments establish our rights: (ex..Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly, Religion, and trial by Jury)

Review:

0What is a Principle?0What are the seven Principles of the Constitution?0What is an example of each Principle?