1. Six Principles of American Government

2. 1. Popular Sovereignty People are the source of gov’t power
Key aspect of democracy

3. 2. Federalism
A type of government in which powers are divided between the national and state governments
Enumerated powers
National government
Reserved powers
State governments

4. 3. Limited Government
Though the states saw the need for a Central Government (Federalism), they did not want all the power to leave the people (Popular Sovereignty) or the states.
Created gov’t in which the power of the government is limited

5. 4. Separation of Powers
Each branch of government has its own responsibilities
Meant to keep any branch from gaining too much power

6. Legislative Branch Makes the laws
Created and given powers by Article I of the Constitution
Made up of the Senate and House of Representatives, together called Congress
Power to collect taxes, declare war, and coin money
Elastic clause lets Congress
stretch its powers to meet
situations the Founders could
have never anticipated

7. Executive Branch Carries out the laws of Congress
Created and given powers by Article II of the Constitution
Headed by the President
Made up of 15 department and several agencies
President is
Commander-in-chief
of military

8. Judicial Branch Interprets the law
Created and given power by Article III of the Constitution
Headed by the Supreme Court
Made up by a system of lowers courts

9. 5. Checks and Balances

10. 6. Judicial Review
Power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and/or acts unconstitutional
Marbury v. Madison