Principle #1: Limited Government Government has only the powers granted by the constitution Requires all U.S. citizens, including government leaders, to obey the law

Principle #2: Republicanism A system in which voters elect people to represent them in government All government leaders are citizens who share the same rights and follow the same laws as the people they govern

Principle #3: Checks and Balances The ability of each branch of government to exercise checks, or controls, over the other branches The Texas Constitution lets each branch limit the power of the other two.

Principle #4: Federalism A system of government where power is shared among the central (or federal) government and the states Texas is part of a federal system (the U.S.A.) It is no longer a separate entity (a republic) Texas is legally equal to all other states

Federalism (Continued) What each state CAN do: Create laws (ex: marriage and property) Create school districts and curriculum Set minimum ages for: Drivers licenses Getting married

Federalism (Continued) What each state CANNOT do: Coin or create its own money Create state laws that violate constitutionally protected civil rights Create international trade agreements Declare war (only U.S. congress can do that) However, the USA has final legal authority over all of the states.

Principle #5: Separation of Powers The division of basic government roles into branches Texas and U.S. government have 3 branches Each branch has specific powers that the others do not have Some powers are shared (federalism)

Principle #6: Popular Sovereignty All political power comes from the people The idea that government exists with the consent of the governed (people) Government has no right to exist…but it does exist because the people allow it to.

Principle #7: Individual Rights Civil liberties and personal privileges guaranteed to citizens and protected by the Texas Bill of Rights Ex: freedom of speech, press, religion, etc. Rights are inalienable, meaning they cannot be: revoked, removed, or violated Rights may be: violated or abused…if we aren’t careful

Free Speech and the Press The Bill of Rights grants Texans rights of free speech and press meaning….freedom to express opinions verbally or in writing This is important because in a democracy (like ours), it is essential that people and the press be able to express opinions without fear of government limitations. The people have the right to remove or change government when, or if, it abuses our rights.