The US Government and The Principles of the United States Constitution We have a DEMOCRACY (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC) in the USA, which means people get to vote for elected leaders. Where did the ideas for our government come from? Where was democracy born? What Ancient Civilization introduced democracy to the world?

Government Why do we need it? To keep order, establish rules, and to PROTECT people We have a DEMOCRACY (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC) in the USA, which means people get to vote for elected leaders.

Basic Facts The CONSTITUTION is the supreme law of the land It was written in 1787 primarily by James MADISON It can be changed, or amended (It has only been done 27 times!) The 1st 10 amendments protect your individual freedoms and are called, “THE BILL OF RIGHTS” There are 7 main ideas, or PRINCIPLES, to the Constitution.

1. POPULAR Sovereignty The PEOPLE hold the ultimate authority A REPRESENTATIVE democracy (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC) lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them. PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER!

2. Limited Government Government is LIMITED to the power given to them in the Constitution. RULE OF LAW – everyone must obey the law The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

3. Federalism - The 10th Amendment Powers not DELEGATED to the federal government are RESERVED to the states Some powers are shared between them The NATIONAL Government has the “supreme power”

4. SEPARATION of Powers Makes the 3 branches of government Legislative branch MAKES the laws Executive branch ENFORCES the laws Judicial branch INTERPRETS the laws

Legislative Branch Congress is divided into the SENATE and House of REPRESENTATIVES MAKES our laws Appropriate Money Regulate Immigration Establish Post Offices and Roads Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation Declare War

Executive Branch The PRESIDENT of the United States (Commander in Chief) Vice-President Cabinet ENFORCES the law

Judicial Branch SUPREME COURT and other Federal Courts Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional” INTERPRETS the law

5. Checks and Balances PREVENTS any one branch from becoming too powerful Each branch can check the other branches

6. Individual Freedoms Protect your FREEDOMS and individual rights These are included in the BILL OF RIGHTS (1st 10 amendments (changes))

7. Republicanism The nation governs as a republic – governed by ELECTED representatives rather than a KING It is a political system that protects liberty Against dictatorships We VOTE – that’s how we have a representative democracy (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC)

Amending the Constitution 2/3 of Congress PROPOSE the change (amendment) ¾ of States legislatures RATIFY (approve) it Amendment Added

Citizenship – What it means to be an American Accept RESPONSIBILITY for your actions SUPPORT your family OBEY Rules & Laws Serve on JURIES VOTE Stay INFORMED on ISSUES