The Seven Principles Of The constitution

Popular Sovereignty Popular means “people” and sovereignty means “power” so the people have the power in our government. Preamble : “WE THE PEOPLE”

Republicanism Peoples views are expressed by electing representatives to govern for us. Our government is a Republic. Article 1, Section 4: The times, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the Legislature thereof. Article 4, Section 4: The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a Republican form of government.

Limited Government The powers of the national and state governments are limited by the Constitution. Article 1, section 9-Limits on Congress: No Bill of Attainder or ex-post facto law shall be passed Amendment 10: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Federalism Power is shared between the federal (national) government and the state governments. Article 4: The powers and rights of the states. Amendment 10: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people

Separation of Powers The power of government is divided into three separate branches, the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Article 1: sets up the Legislative Branch (Congress) Article 2: sets up the Executive Branch (President) Article 3: sets up the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)

Checks and Balances Each branch has “checks” or controls over the other two branches to maintain an even balance of power. Article 1, Section 7: Presidential Veto-If after such veto two-thirds of both Houses shall agree to pass the bill, it shall become a law. Article 2, Section 4: The President shall be removed from office on Impeachment for, and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Individual Rights The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to maintain these individual rights. Bill of Rights, Amendments 1-10: Amendment 1 says Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment Process The Constitution provides a process to amend the Constitution if the needs of our society dictate change. Article 5: The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution that shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths of the several States.

The Effects of the Reconstruction Amendements The Effects of the Reconstruction Amendments on African Americans “The Staircase to Full Voting Citizenship” Slavery Right to Vote Freed the Slaves Citizenship 13th 14th 15th