1. Basic Principles of the United States Constitution
Goal 2.01

2. Popular Sovereignty Popular = people
Sovereignty = right, or power to rule
Popular sovereignty =
People should have the right and the power to rule themselves

3. How was popular sovereignty portrayed by...
English citizens?
Magna Carta
Glorious Revolution
Parliament made up of representatives that the people elected
Growth of democratic government
American colonists?
Creation of colonial governments
Town meetings
Declaration of Independence
Framers of the Constitution?
“We the People…”
Gov’t must always reflect the will of the people
Will of people expressed through elections

4. Limited Government Power of the government should be limited
Our government may only do what the people give it the power to do
Power denied to government in Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Rule of law =
The law applies to everyone, even those who govern

5. Federalism National government and state governments share power.
ENUMERATED POWERS
Powers that the Constitution gives to the national government only
RESERVED POWERS
Powers that the Constitution gives to the states
CONCURRENT POWERS
Powers that the national and state governments

6. What happens if there is a conflict between federal and state authority?
Supremacy clause:
The Constitution and the laws of the national government are the “supreme law of the land”.

7. Full Faith and Credit Clause
States must recognize the laws, records, and judicial decisions of other states

8. Separation of Powers
Framers wanted to make sure that no 1 person or group of people gained too much power.
Montesquieu gave the idea to clearly separate the 3 branches of government:
- Legislative, Executive, Judicial
System of checks and balances makes sure that no one branch would gain too much power.

9. A LIVING CONSTITUTION

10. Why is the Constitution called a “living” document?

11. Any change to the Constitution
Amendment
Any change to the Constitution

12. Amendment Process Proposal: Ratification: - By a 2/3 vote in Congress
- Or by a national convention
Ratification:
- By ¾ of the states by a vote in each legislatures
- Or by calling special state conventions

13. Necessary and proper clause:
Expressed powers:
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution
Implied powers:
Congressional powers not stated specifically in the Constitution but suggested by the Constitution’s necessary and proper clause
Necessary and proper clause:
Congress has the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper” to carry out its duties.

14. Interpreting the Constitution
Loose interpretation:
Congress should be allowed to make any laws not forbidden by the Constitution.
Strict interpretation:
Congress should only be able to make the kinds of laws that the Constitution mentions.