1. Principles of the Constitution

2. 6 Principles of the Constitution
The constitution was planned on certain principles (basic truth, law, or assumption)
The 6 principles are
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Federalism

3. Popular Sovereignty
The Preamble of the Constitution begins with this bold phrase: “We the people….” These words tell people that in the US, the people establish the government and give it its power.
Definition: people hold all power because they elect the leaders of the national and state governments

4. Limited Government
The Constitution sets limits on the power the government has
Government must obey the law according to the principles of the Constitution
The government and its officers are never above the law

5. Separation of Powers
Government power is not only limited; it is also divided
Constitution assigns power to each of the three branches
Legislative (Congress)- makes the laws
Executive (President)- enforces the laws
Judicial (Federal Courts)- interprets the laws
Separation of powers prevents a misuse of power by any of the three branches

6. Checks and Balances
Limits are placed on each branch to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful
These limits extend the restrictions established by the separation of powers
Branches have the authority to restrain the actions of either of the two branches
Prevents tyranny by one branch

7. Judicial Review
Supreme Court decides whether a branch has overstepped their limits
They review the governmental actions and cancel (nullify) any that are unconstitutional

8. Federalism
Definition: government system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
Both levels have their own agencies and pass laws that affect citizens
Helps keep the national government powerful but not too powerful to threaten the state governments