1. Four Key Constitutional Principles
THE CONSTITUTION
Four Key Constitutional Principles

2. Concept 1: Separation of Powers
A way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.

3. Concept 2: Checks and Balances
A government structure that gives each of the three branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the others

4. Concept 3: Federalism
System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government

5. Concept 4: Limited Government
National Government
May not violate the Bill of Rights
May not impose export taxes among states
May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill
May not change state boundaries
A type of government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to protect the citizenry.
State Government
May not enter into treaties with other countries
May not print money
May not tax imports or exports
May not Impair obligations of contracts
May not suspend a person's rights without due process

6. Cartoon #1 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

7. Cartoon #2 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

8. Cartoon #3 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?

9. Cartoon #4 Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?