The 7 Principles of the Constitution

What is the principle of Popular Sovereignty?

The belief that the authority and power of the government come from the consent of the people.

Popular Sovereignty (Preamble)

This principle is highlighted by the opening phrase of the Constitution: "We the People."

Popular Sovereignty (Participation)

Citizens exercise this principle primarily by voting in local, state, and national elections.

Limited Government (Definition)

A political system in which the powers of the government are restricted by a constitution and laws.

Rule of Law

A key component of limited government stating that every citizen, including leaders, must follow the law.

Limited Government (Purpose)

To ensure that the government does not become too powerful or interfere with the rights of individuals.

Separation of Powers (Definition)

The division of government responsibilities into 3 distinct branches to limit any 1 branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Legislative Branch

Outlined in Article I, this branch is responsible for making laws and includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive and Judicial Branches

Article II establishes the Executive branch to enforce laws, while Article III establishes the Judicial branch to interpret laws.

Checks and Balances (Definition)

A system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any 1 branch from exerting too much power.

Executive Check on Legislative

The President can check Congress by vetoing a bill that has been passed by both houses.

Legislative Check on Executive

Congress can check the President by overriding a veto with a 2/3 majority vote in both the House and the Senate.

Republicanism (Definition)

A philosophy of limited government in which elected representatives serve at the will of the people.

Republicanism (Role of Citizens)

Citizens participate by electing officials who they believe will best represent their interests and values.

Republicanism (Representation)

Instead of public policy being made directly by the people, it is made by representatives on their behalf.

Federalism (Definition)

A system of government in which power is shared between the national (federal) government and the individual state governments.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to coin money or declare war.

Reserved Powers

Under the 10^{th} Amendment, powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

Individual Rights (Definition)

The personal liberties and privileges guaranteed to citizens that the government cannot legally take away.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution which specifically list and protect the individual rights of citizens.

Individual Rights (Example)

This includes fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and protection against unreasonable searches.