1. 7 Principles of the Constitution
Dec. 12th
Create 3 column chart with Terms and Definitions only (Red Text)
Discuss Examples

2. Do Now Jan. 10 & 11
Write the whole question, FPOWER, and the whole answer:

3. The Preamble of the Constitution

4. The Preamble
The Constitution is divided into 3 main parts: the Preamble (opening statement), Articles, and Amendments.
The Preamble defines 6 goals.
Preamble:
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America.”

5. The Goals of the Preamble
To Form a More Perfect Union
Wanted states to be more unified
To Establish Justice
Laws applied fairly to every American regardless of race, religion, and gender
To Insure Domestic Tranquility
Peace and order at home (US)
To Provide for a Common Defense
Gives the government power to protect citizens
To Promote the General Welfare
Promote the well-being of all its citizens (health, happiness)
To Secure the Blessings of Liberty
Freedom and rights for its people

6. 7 Principles of the Constitution
How Does the Constitution Work?

7. In your notebook make a table that looks like this (you’ll need a whole page)
Principle
Definition
Example
Hand Signal

8. Popular Sovereignty
Definition – The belief that people can and should govern themselves; the people rule.
Example – People can run for office, campaign for individuals who run, or protest decisions made by others. Rule is not passed down based on blood line, or military coup.

9. Popular Sovereignty Hand Signal
People have the power! Show a FIST

10. Republicanism
Definition – People vote for people to represent their views in government. (Representative Government)
You can’t have the whole population vote on everything, so you vote on people who share similar beliefs and allow them to vote.
Ex: The president/Congress make laws for people
Direct election of Senators and Representatives.

11. Republicanism Hand Signal
People Vote! Draw a check!

12. Federalism
Definition – Power is shared by the state and federal government.
In our system, the national government does have ultimate authority, but states have a lot to say in what goes on as well.
Powers for the national government = delegated powers
Ex: Declaring War
Powers for the state government = reserved powers,
Ex: Speed Limits
Powers shared between the national and the state are concurrent powers.
Ex: Collecting Taxes

13. Federalism Hand Signal
Power is shared by the state and national gov! Draw two crossed fingers!

14. Separation of Powers
Definition – The Federal government is divided into 3 branches - Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
This system prevents any one branch from gaining too much power and turning the country towards tyranny.
Ex: Only Congress can write laws and Only the President can sign them into effect
Remember Charles de Montesquieu!

15. Separation of Powers Hand Signal
There are 3 branches of gov! Draw 3 fingers!

16. Checks and Balances
Definition – Each of the 3 branches of government has a check on the other 2 branches. This balances power between the 3, ensuring that none of the branches seizes control.
Example – Federal judges are nominated by the President, but have to be approved by Congress.
Bills must be passed by both houses of the legislative branch, signed by the president, and can even be challenged in the courts.

17. Checks and Balances Hand Signal
The branches of government can stop or block the other branches. Draw a 3 weighted scale (use your head as a part when you use the hand signal)

18. Limited Government
Definition – Everybody has to follow the same laws, even members of the government.
If a Representative committed a crime, he/she would face a trial just like everybody else.

19. Limited Government Hand Signal
The government cannot do what ever it wants! x your arms at the government for trying to be slick!

20. Individual Rights
Definition – Personal liberties (Unalienable Rights) and privileges that people are born with and can not be taken away.
Ex:The Bill of Rights, the first Ten Amendments, was created to specifically ensure the rights of the people.

21. Individual Rights Hand Signal
Individual rights are protected by the BILL OF RIGHTS! Unscroll the Bill of Rights!

22. Principle Sorting
You will have 3 minutes with your table to sort the principles from most important to least important.
There is no right or wrong answer, but be able to justify your answer

23. Work Time!
Work on your Homework Packet or Vocab Cards with the remaining time in class.
This is SILENT and INDEPENDENT work time