1. Aim: What are the basic principles found in the United States Constitution?
Do Now:
How does the government affect you?
(In your own words, explain how the government affects your everyday life.)
Homework:
Quiz on Constitutional Principles on Friday

2. How does the government affect you?
(In your own words, explain how the government affects your everyday life.)

3. Constitution
Basic principles and laws of a nation and outlines powers and duties of a government
US Constitution contains:
Preamble
Articles
Amendments

4. Popular Sovereignty
The right of the people to participate in government and having the consent of the people.
The government is responsible to the people.

5. Limited Government
To ensure that a central government never becomes overly powerful the government can only carry out powers listed in the Constitution.

6. Separation of Powers
Division of government into three branches, each with their own powers and responsibilities.
Legislative Branch – Congress
Executive Branch – President
Judicial Branch – Supreme Court

7. Checks and Balances
Each branch of government is able to check, or control the power of the other two branches.

8. Federalism
System of government in which the power is divided and shared between the national and state governments.

9. Flexibility
The Constitution is a living document that allows for changed to be made according to the changing times.

10. Grants Congress the power to pass all laws “necessary and proper.”
Elastic Clause
Grants Congress the power to pass all laws “necessary and proper.”

11. Amendment Process Physical changes to the wording of the Constitution.
27 Total Amendments – First 10 are Bill of Rights.
Methods of Amending the Constitution
Ratified by
Legislatures of ¾ of states (37 states)
Proposed by Congress by 2/3 vote of both houses OR OR
Proposed by National Convention called by Congress at request of 2/3 of the state legislatures
Ratified by
Conventions in ¾ of states (37 states)

12. Judicial Review
Ability of the courts to review laws to see if they are upheld by the Constitution.

13. What do the principles tell us about our Constitution?
Apply your knowledge
What do the principles tell us about our Constitution?

14. Closing Question
Does the government serve the people or do the people serve the government? Explain! (3-5 sentences)