1. Principles of the Constitution
Chapter 8, Lesson #1

2. Our Constitution Popular Sovereignty Based on 7 important principles:
Authority of the PEOPLE!
Foundation of our government
Established and explained in the PREAMBLE (Introduction statement)

3. Our Constitution Nation is a REPUBLIC
People rule through elected representatives.
Representatives make laws and conduct gov’t on peoples’ behalf.

4. Our Constitution Limited Government Powers are strictly defined
Wanted strong government that would not take peoples’ rights away.

5. Our Constitution Federalism
Power divided between federal gov’t and states.
Enumerated Powers: powers that are specially given to Congress.
Reserved Powers: are those powers that belong to the states.
Concurrent Powers: Shared powers.
10th Amendment: declares all powers not granted to the federal government “are reserved to the States.”

6. Our Constitution Separation of Powers
Power is separated between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
This means no person or group can get too much power,
Each has different limited powers, duties, and responsibilities.

7. Our Constitution Checks and Balances
Each branch can check or limit the power of another branch.
Maintains balance of power

9. Our Constitution Individual Rights Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech and of the press
Freedom to assemble in groups and to protest against the government
The right to bear arms
The right to a speedy and public trial by jury
The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government
Freedom from "cruel and unusual" punishments

10. Amending the Constitution
Article 5 of the Constitution
Describes how to amend (make changes) to the Constitution.
Allows Constitution to adapt or change with the times.
Requires 2/3 votes from both houses and 3/4 state votes to ratify.

11. Amending the Constitution
13th Amendment: Outlawed slavery.
14th Amendment: Gave citizenship to anyone born in U.S. (including slaves).
15th Amendment: Gave African American men the right to vote.
19th Amendment: Gave voting rights to women.
24th Amendment: outlawed poll taxes, giving more people the ability to vote.
26th Amendment: lowered the voting age to 18.