7 Principles of the Constitution How to remember

7 Principles of the Constitution

How to remember the 7 principles: “People like rootbeer floats, Skittles, and chocolate ice cream. ” People=Popular Sovereignty Like=Limited Government Rootbeer=Republicanism Floats=Federalism Skittles=Separation of Powers Chocolate=Checks and Balances Ice Cream=Individual Rights

Principle: Popular Sovereignty Explanation Example The people are “We the final authority in government. The government receives its authority from the PEOPLE. People” from the preamble.

Principle: Limited Government Explanation Example The government The is NOT allpowerful. It is limited to the power given to it by the Constitution. government must obey the same laws as all Americans.

Principle: Republicanism Explanation Example The people U. S. citizens rule through elected representative s. elect Congress & the President.

Principle: Federalism Explanation Example The sharing of Federal powerdefense State powereducation and marriage laws power between the state and federal (national) governments.

Principle: Separation of Powers Explanation Example The power of Legislative: Makes laws Executive: Enforces laws Judicial: Judges laws the national government is separated into 3 equal branches

Principle: Checks and Balances Explanation Example Each branch of The president the national government has the ability to check, or control, the power of the other 2 branches. can veto a bill. OR Senate approves Presidential appointments

Principle: Individual Rights Explanation Example Unalienable Freedom of rights of the people that the government must protect. religion, assembly, press, petition, & speech are protected in the Bill of Rights.