Chapter 3: The Constitution Lesson 4: Principles of the Constitution

Popular Sovereignty Popular Sovereignty: the idea that power lies with the people Declaration of Independence states that governments should draw their powers “from the consent of the governed.” The U.S. Constitution’s Preamble begins with “We the people,” including all citizens and provides permission from these citizens to be governed The will of the people is stated most strongly through elections

Limited Government and Rule of Law Limited Government: a government that can do only what the people allow it to do The Constitution limits the power of the federal and state government Rule of Law: the principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern The Constitution establishes that no one is above the law Both of these principles prevent tyranny by the government and protect the liberty of the people

Separation of Powers Separation of Powers: the split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branch This would limit the ability of one branch from gaining too much power

Checks and Balances Checks and Balance: a system in which each branch of the government is able to check, or restrain, the power of the others

Federalism Enumerated powers: powers directly granted to the national government by the Constitution Reserved Powers: powers the Constitution does not give to the federal government; powers set aside for the states Concurrent Powers: powers shared by the state and federal government Supremacy Clause: a clause stating that the Constitution and other laws and treaties made by the national government are “supreme Laws of the Land”