1. The Seven Principles of the U.S Constitution

2. = Background Info Principle: is the beginning, or foundation
These 7 principles (or ideas) are what our Constitution and therefore our government are based on. =

3. Popular Sovereignty
In the 1700’s most rulers claimed their authority from God

4. = w/o Popular Sovereignty
Our Constitution gives authority by the people
The government has no power without the people
w/o =

5. Limited Government
People were tired of the harsh rule of a single person (a king)
The rulers of the U.S have only the power that the Constitution gives them
The President must obey the law just like everyone else

6. Separation of Powers
The government is divided into 3 major parts: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Each part has different or separate powers

7. Separation of Powers

8. Checks and Balances
Each of the 3 branches also have certain ways of keeping an eye on the other 2 branches
They have the ability to limit the power of the other two & keeping one from becoming too powerful

9. Checks and Balances

10. Federalism
Federalism is simple: Governmental power is divided between the Federal (national) and State (Texas) governments

11. This creates a strong national government,
Federalism
This creates a strong national government,
with each state strong enough to govern themselves how they see fit

12. Republicanism
Instead of taking part directly in the national government, we elect representatives to go and do it for us.
We don’t vote, we vote for people to go to Washington D.C and vote for us

13. Individual Rights
The Constitution protects the rights of us as individuals
The Bill of Rights is the basis for most individual rights in the U.S