The United States Constitution The Goals & Principles

The U.S. Constitution #1 The Preamble Seven Articles Twenty-seven Amendments

The Preamble #2 It is an introduction to the Constitution It states the goals (purpose) of the Constitution

Goals of the Constitution #3 Form a More Perfect Union Create a nation where states work together Interstates, U.S. Currency

Goals of the Constitution #3 Establish Justice Make a nation that is fair Jury, Court System

Goals of the Constitution #3 Insure Domestic Tranquility Keep peace within the country National Guard, Federal Marshalls

Goals of the Constitution #3 Provide for Common Defense Safeguard against attacks, protect Army, Navy

Goals of the Constitution #3 Promote General Welfare Contribute to the well-being of its people Social Security, Financial Aid

Goals of the Constitution #3 Secure the Blessings of Liberty Protect the great advantages of freedom Laws, Acts, Commissions

Principles of the Constitution #4 Popular Sovereignty Principle of the government where people hold the final authority or power Limited Government Principle that the government is not all powerful but can do only what the people say it can do Federalism Division of power between the national and state government

Principles of the Constitution continued Separation of Powers Division of the operations of the national government into three branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities Checks and Balances Means by which each branch of the national government is able to check, or control, the power of the other two branches

Checks and Balances

Representative Government: government of elected officials