3. The Principles of the United States Constitution

4. I. Popular Sovereignty  The people hold the ultimate authority.  A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.  Mary Landrieu, David Vitter, Bobby Jindal, William Jefferson, Charlie Melanco, Jim McCrery, Rodney Alexander, Richard Baker, and Charles Boustany are our elected officials.

5. II. Limited Government  Framers wanted to guard against tyranny.  Government is limited to the power given in the Constitution.  The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed.

6. III. Federalism  The division of power between State and National Governments.  Some powers are shared.  The National Government has the “supreme power.”

7. IV. Separation of Powers  No one holds “too much” power.  Legislative branch makes the laws.  Executive branch carries out the laws.  Judicial branch interprets the laws.

8. Legislative Branch  Senate and House of Representatives  Make our laws  Appropriate Money  Regulate Immigration  Establish Post Offices and Roads  Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation  Declare War

9. Executive Branch  The President of the United States  Chief Executive  Chief of State  Chief Legislator  Commander in Chief

10. Judicial Branch  Supreme Court and other Federal Courts  Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution  Considers cases involving national laws  Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

11. V. Checks and Balances  Prevents the abuse of power in government  Each branch can check each other branch

12. Executive Checks  Propose laws to Congress  Veto laws made by Congress  Negotiate foreign treaties  Appoint federal judges  Grant pardons to federal offenders

13. Legislative Checks  Override president’s veto  Ratify treaties  Confirm executive appointments  Impeach federal officers and judges  Create and dissolve lower federal courts

14. Judicial Checks  Declare executive acts unconstitutional  Declare laws unconstitutional  Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional  The Supreme Court holds the final check

15. Show What You Know QUIZ

16. Who holds the ultimate authority in our government?  A. The President  B. The People  C. The Military  B. The People

17. What part of the government is the Legislative Branch?  A. Congress and House of Representatives  B. Supreme Court  C. President of the United States  A. Congress and House of Representatives

18. What part of the government is the Executive Branch?  A. Congress and House of Representatives  B. Supreme Court  C. President of the United States

19. What part of the government is the Judicial Branch?  A. Congress and House of Representatives  B. Supreme Court  C. President of the United States  B. Supreme Court

20. Which branch of government makes our laws and regulate immigration?  A. Legislative  B. Executive  C. Judicial  A. Legislative

21. Which branch of government propose laws to Congress and grants pardons to federal offenders?  A. Legislative  B. Executive  C. Judicial  A. Executive

22. Which branch of government declares war and establishes post offices and roads?  A. Legislative  B. Executive  C. Judicial  A. Legislative

23. Which branch of government preserves and protects the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and considers cases involving national laws?  A. Legislative  B. Executive  C. Judicial  A. Judicial

24. Which branch of governement veto laws made by Congress and appoints federal judges?  A. Legislative  B. Executive  C. Judicial  A. Executive

25. Which branch of governemnt declares laws unconstitutional and holds the final check?  A. Legislative  B. Executive  C. Judicial  A. Judicial