Six Principles Row Race

People are the source of the government’s power

The President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress

The government is not all powerful

The Supreme Court can declare laws unconsitutional – to declare illegal, null and voicd

The federal government’s basic powers are distributed among the three distinct and independent branches.

We do not have a unitary government like Great Britain

This includes the concept of Constiutionalism This includes the concept of Constiutionalism. The government must be conducted according to Constitutional principles.

Found in the Preamble of the Constitution – “We the People”

James Madison said this principle helps avoid tyranny because it prevent one branch from gaining too much power

The case of Marbury vs. Madison established this principle The case of Marbury vs. Madison established this principle. Another example – Brown vs. Board of Education

Each branch is subject to a number of constitutional restraints by the other branches.

Division of power between central and several regional governments

This principle includes the concept of rule of law – government and its officials are subject to the law, never above it.

The President’s Supreme Court appointees must be approved by Congress

The power to decide whether the actions of our government are constitutional.

We are no longer a confederacy as under the Articles of Confederation

Constitutional amendments are proposed at the national level and ratified (approved) at the state level.