Aspects of the Constitution

Major Principles Major Principles Definitions Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Federalism Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Individual Rights Definitions Definitions Rule by the people Specific powers, can’t expand too much State governments have some powers One branch doesn’t control everything Branches have power over each other Citizens have certain protections

Legislative Branch Also called “Congress” Two houses/Groups that makes laws: House of Representatives and the Senate Jobs -Make laws -Set aside money -Impeach (remove) people from office -Form committees to solve problems

Executive Branch The President The Cabinet: Officials that help the President Roles of the President -Chief Executive: Carryout nation’s laws -Chief Diplomat: Negotiates treaties/foreign policy -Commander in Chief: Gives orders to military -Legislative Leader: Proposes and signs laws

Judicial Branch District courts and Appellate Courts Supreme Court: Final authority of law Parts of the Judiciary Branch -Independence: Appointed by President, approved by Senate -Judicial Powers: Not described in Constitution, growth as time goes -Judicial Review: Gives courts authority to interpret Constitution