Principles of the Constitution Review
Checks and Balances Congress makes the laws but Presidents may veto laws passed by Congress.
The sharing of power between the states and the Federal Government Federalism The sharing of power between the states and the Federal Government
Separation of Powers Legislative Executive Judicial
Framers wanted to guard against tyranny Limited Government Framers wanted to guard against tyranny
People create government Popular Sovereignty People create government
Executive branch carries out the laws Separation of Powers Executive branch carries out the laws
Limited Government No one is above the law
Checks and Balances Presidents may veto laws but Congress may over-ride a veto by a 2/3’s vote of both Houses.
The people hold the ultimate authority Popular Sovereignty The people hold the ultimate authority
Freedom of the religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. Individual Rights Freedom of the religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.
Separation of Powers/CB/Limited Gov’t Prevents the abuse of Power
Federalism The division of power between State and National Governments
Checks and Balances The Courts may review a law passed by Congress and signed by the President & decide it is UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Limited Government The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed
Federalism Some powers are shared
Power rests with the people aka “consent of the governed” Popular Sovereignty Power rests with the people aka “consent of the governed”
Each branch can limit the power of the other 2 branches Checks and Balances Each branch can limit the power of the other 2 branches
Legislative branch makes the laws Separation of Powers Legislative branch makes the laws
The president can serve a maximum of 8 years Limited Government The president can serve a maximum of 8 years
Schools are established and maintained by the States Federalism Schools are established and maintained by the States
Checks and Balances The President signs or vetoes bill passed by Congress
Individual Rights The Bill of Rights
Separation of Powers Congress passes a bill that increases military spending
Republicanism A representative democracy lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them
Federalism The National Government has the “supreme power”
Individual Rights/ Limited Gov’t A citizen can not be forced to testify against themselves if accused of a crime.
Judicial Branch interprets the laws Separation of Powers Judicial Branch interprets the laws
Republicanism/ Popular Sovereignty Citizens are elect representatives to make decisions for their representatives.
Limited Government Government is limited to the power given them in the Constitution.
Expressed as “we the people” Popular Sovereignty Expressed as “we the people”
Individual rights can not be taken away. Limited Government Individual rights can not be taken away.
The National Government coins money so that their isn’t any confusion. Federalism The National Government coins money so that their isn’t any confusion.
The House of Representatives makes a charge of impeachment Separation of Powers The House of Representatives makes a charge of impeachment
Limited Government/Individual Rights Neither a state nor a national government may prevent citizens from expressing their opinions.
Congress has no power to carry out the laws they create Separation of Powers Congress has no power to carry out the laws they create
U.S. citizens are allowed to run for office. Popular Sovereignty U.S. citizens are allowed to run for office.