The Constitution Basic Principles and Amendment Process

Life Mask of George Washington "A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?" -George Washington

Six Basic Principles of U.S. Constitution 1.Popular Sovereignty 2.Limited Government 3.Separation of Powers 4.Checks and Balances 5.Judicial Review 6.Federalism

Six Basic Principles of U.S. Constitution 1. Popular Sovereignty –All power comes from the people 2. Limited Government –Government may do ONLY the things that people give it power to do

Six Basic Principles of U.S. Constitution 3. Separation of Powers –Basic powers of the state are distributed among independent branches of government 4.Checks and Balances –Each branch of gov’t can be checked (restrained) by the other branches

Six Basic Principles of U.S. Constitution 5. Judicial Review –Power of the courts to determine if a law/gov’t action is Constitutional 6. Federalism –Division of power among a central and local governments

"Do you ever have one of those days when everything seems unconstitutional?"

Amendment Process As spelled out in Article V, the Constitution can be amended in one of two ways. –First, a vote of two-thirds of the House of Representatives and two-thirds of the Senate followed by a ratification of three-fourths of the various state legislatures

Informal Amendment Process Congress Executive Courts Party practices Custom (courtesy)