THE CONSTITUTION Six Key Constitutional Principles

Concept 1: Separation of Powers A way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.

Concept 2: Checks and Balances A government structure that gives each of the three branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the others

Concept 3: Federalism System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government

Concept 4: Limited Government A type of government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to protect the citizenry. National Government May not violate the Bill of Rights May not impose export taxes among states May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill May not change state boundaries State Government May not enter into treaties with other countries May not print money May not tax imports or exports May not Impair obligations of contracts May not suspend a person's rights without due process

Concept 5: Popular Sovereignty The People are the only source of any and all governmental power, that government must be conducted with the consent of the governed (people.)

Concept 6: Judicial Review Power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government

Game Time!

Understanding the Constitution Article I: Legislative Branch This article spells out the powers and duties of the bicameral legislature, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It lists the powers given to Congress, called enumerated powers. These include the right to tax, declare war, regulate commerce, and create legislation. Congress is given the right to make all laws that are “necessary and proper” to the maintenance of the country. This is referred to as the elastic clause because it has been stretched to accommodate the changing needs of the country.

Understanding the Constitution Article II: Executive Branch This article defines the powers of the President. These powers include being Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reporting to Congress on “the state of the union” and the authority to make treaties and to appoint officials with the advice and consent of the Senate. The President must also “take care that the laws are faithfully executed.” This phrase has become a source of implied powers, meaning that the President is assumed to have powers and responsibilities not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.

Understanding the Constitution Article III: Judicial Power Describes the court system of the U.S. Judicial Power shall extend to all cases, in Law and Equity arising under this constitution, The laws of the U.S. and Treaties made. Description of treason

Understanding the Constitution Article IV: Federalism This article more clearly defines the relationship between the states and the federal government. It includes the “full faith and credit” clause, which states that an act or judicial proceeding of one state must be honored in all other states.

This article defines the process for making changes to the original Constitution. The process involves federalism; Congress must propose an amendment by a two-thirds vote in both houses and the states must ratify it by a three-quarters vote in order for the amendment to be added to the Constitution. Understanding the Constitution

Article V: Rules of Amendments This article clearly states the rules and regulations for creating an amendment to the constitution.

Understanding the Constitution Article VI: Supremacy Clause This article clearly states that national law will be supreme over state law.