Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Popular Sovereignty

• Definition: Government power comes from the people.

  • Example: Voting; in a democracy, the authority resides with the citizens who elect their representatives.

Checks and Balances

• Definition: The ability of each branch of government to prevent the others from becoming too powerful.

  • Example: The executive branch has the power to veto laws passed by the legislative branch.

Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Limited Government

• Definition: The powers of government are restricted by laws; no one is above the law.

  • Example: no one is above the law.

Judicial Review

• Definition: Courts have the authority to determine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

  • Example: Supreme Court Cases.

Separation of Powers

• Definition: The powers of government in the U.S are divided among three separate branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

  • Example: 3 branches of government.

Federalism

• Definition: Power is shared between the national government and state governments.

  • Example: State Laws For Voting