Principles of the Constitution

Focus Question:

•What powers do you think a government should have?

Focus Question

•What are your impressions of the government shutdown?

Objectives

•After today’s lesson, you will:•Describe three principles found in the

U.S. Constitution

Principles

•The Constitution is built on principles•Forged during the Enlightenment and

Revolutionary Period▫Sense of Reason in Government▫Reaction to centralization▫Reaction to the near collapse of the

Confederation

Principles of the Constitution (I)

•Popular Sovereignty▫Government power comes from the people▫“Consent of the governed”

•Limited Government▫Restrictions on government power

•Separation of Powers▫Government divided into branches▫Branches given specific powers

Principles of the Constitution (II)•Federalism

▫Power divided between the central government and the states

•Checks and Balances▫Steps taken to limit any branch or level of

government•Representative Government

▫Republican system•Equality

▫Ideal that all are equal under the law

Summary

•Identify what you liked and what you did not like about today’s lesson. Explain your reply.