1. 7 Principles of the Constitution How Does the Constitution Work

2. Popular Sovereignty Definition – A government in which the people rule. This does not mean they get to vote, it means they participate. Example – People can run for office, campaign for individuals who run, or protest decisions made by others.

3. Republicanism Definition – People vote for people to represent their views. (Representative Government) You cannot have the whole population vote on everything, so you vote for people who share similar beliefs and allow them to vote on your behalf.

4. Federalism Definition – A system of government in which powers are shared by the state and national governments. Example – Both national and state governments have the right to pass and enforce laws but only the national government can print money.

5. Separation of Power Definition – Divides the roles of government into 3 branches (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). Why? – So that no one person or one group of people control everything and become too powerful.

6. Checks and Balances Definition – Each of the 3 branches of government has a little control, or check, on the other 2 branches. This balances power between the 3, ensuring that none of the branches get out of control. Example – Federal judges are nominated by the President, but have to be approved by Congress.

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

8. Individual Rights Definition – Personal liberties and privileges that people are born with and cannot be taken away. The Bill of Rights was created to list all of these rights so people know when the governments tries to take them away.