1. Six Basic Principles of the Constitution
Unit 2: Constitution

2. The Constitution of the United States is the framework on which government is based.
The Constitution was written to reflect the Common Good – the will of the people
The Common Good can be seen in 6 ideas of the Constitution:

3. 1. Popular Sovereignty
source of government power comes from the people
Example: The Constitution begins with “We the people…”

4. 2. Limited Government
government is only allowed to do the things the people said it could do
National government does not have absolute power
Constitutionalism: government has to obey its own rules
Rule of Law: follow rules and laws must be written; not above the law

5. 3. Separation of Powers Article 1: Legislative Branch
Power to make laws, confirm treaties and judge appointments, declare war
Article 2: Executive – President and his cabinet; enforces the law, vetoes laws, makes recommendations, make treaties
Confirm or veto laws, appoint supreme court justices, make treaties
Article III: Judicial: Supreme Court
Make sure laws are legal according to the constitution
So…
Legislative – pass laws
Executive – enforces laws
Judicial – makes sure laws are legal

6. 4. Checks and Balances *Each branch of government checks each other
*Trying to make sure one branch doesn’t become too powerful
How does the system of Checks and Balances reflect a limited government?

7. The legislative branch has the ability to make laws
The legislative branch has the ability to make laws. The executive branch can prevent the legislative branch from enacting a law by issuing a veto rather than signing the bill. However, if the legislative branch feels that the veto was not in the best interest of the country, a 2/3s vote by legislature can force the enactment of the law even without the President’s approval. The judicial branch has the authority to review a law and to declare it unconstitutional if they feel that the law violates the Constitution.

8. 5. Judicial Review
The power to decide if the practices of government are legal
*The Court can declare things unconstitutional – illegal
Part of the system of checks and balances

9. 6. Federalism
sharing of powers between the state government and the national government
*When the Constitution was written, the states agreed to give up powers to the national government

10. Requirements For each principle have… Name of principle
Description of principle
Illustration to depict the principle