1. The US Government and The Principles of the United States Constitution
We have a DEMOCRACY (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC) in the USA, which means people get to vote for elected leaders.
Where did the ideas for our government come from?
Where was democracy born? What Ancient Civilization introduced democracy to the world?

2. Government
Why do we need it? To keep order, establish rules, and to PROTECT people
We have a DEMOCRACY (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC) in the USA, which means people get to vote for elected leaders.

3. Basic Facts The CONSTITUTION is the supreme law of the land
It was written in 1787 primarily by James MADISON
It can be changed, or amended (It has only been done 27 times!)
The 1st 10 amendments protect your individual freedoms and are called, “THE BILL OF RIGHTS”
There are 7 main ideas, or PRINCIPLES, to the Constitution.

4. 1. POPULAR Sovereignty The PEOPLE hold the ultimate authority
A REPRESENTATIVE democracy (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC) lets the people elect leaders to make decisions for them.
PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER!

5. 2. Limited Government
Government is LIMITED to the power given to them in the Constitution.
RULE OF LAW – everyone must obey the law
The Constitution tells how leaders who overstep their power can be removed

6. 3. Federalism - The 10th Amendment
Powers not DELEGATED to the federal government are RESERVED to the states
Some powers are shared between them
The NATIONAL Government has the “supreme power”

7. 4. SEPARATION of Powers Makes the 3 branches of government
Legislative branch MAKES the laws
Executive branch ENFORCES the laws
Judicial branch INTERPRETS the laws

8. Legislative Branch
Congress is divided into the SENATE and House of REPRESENTATIVES
MAKES our laws
Appropriate Money
Regulate Immigration
Establish Post Offices and Roads
Regulate Interstate Commerce and Transportation
Declare War

9. Executive Branch
The PRESIDENT of the United States (Commander in Chief)
Vice-President
Cabinet
ENFORCES the law

10. Judicial Branch SUPREME COURT and other Federal Courts
Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution
Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”
INTERPRETS the law

11. 5. Checks and Balances
PREVENTS any one branch from becoming too powerful
Each branch can check the other branches

12. 6. Individual Freedoms Protect your FREEDOMS and individual rights
These are included in the BILL OF RIGHTS (1st 10 amendments (changes))

13. 7. Republicanism
The nation governs as a republic – governed by ELECTED representatives rather than a KING
It is a political system that protects liberty
Against dictatorships
We VOTE – that’s how we have a representative democracy (CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC)

14. Amending the Constitution
2/3 of Congress PROPOSE the change (amendment)
¾ of States legislatures RATIFY (approve) it
Amendment Added

15. Citizenship – What it means to be an American
Accept RESPONSIBILITY for your actions
SUPPORT your family
OBEY Rules & Laws
Serve on JURIES
VOTE
Stay INFORMED on ISSUES