Principles of the Constitution Underlying Principles Popular Sovereignty

Principles of the Constitution

Underlying Principles • Popular Sovereignty– the people rule and have the final say • Limited Government– founders wanted strong central gov. but feared misuse of power • Federalism– division of power between States and Federal govs.

The Three Branches • Checks and Balances– system where one branch of gov is controlled by other 2, prevents too much power in one area

• Legislative Branch– • makes the laws and control spending (appropriation) • Made up of Congress– House of Representatives and Senate • Can ratify treaties, approve presidential appointments, impeach the president, override pres veto, approve judges • Committees within each house, can pass, kill or pigeonhole bills

• House of Reps– more pop in state= more reps, serve 2 yrs, must be 25 yrs old, 435 members • Senate– all states get 2 votes (Senators), serve 6 yrs, must be 30 yrs old, 100 members

• Judicial Branch: • Judge the fairness of laws • District courts- lowest, 94 in country • Appeals courts- losers in district can appeal, 13 in country • Supreme Court- one chief justice and 8 others, highest court, hear cases of national importance, judicial review– decide if laws are constitutional

• Executive Branch: • Enforce laws • Pres, VP, and cabinet– 14 offices • Can issue executive orders, pardon, appoint judges and positions, veto laws • Pres has to be 35, born in US, been living here past 14 yrs

• President has many roles: • Chief Executive— carry out laws • Chief Diplomat— deal with foreign policy • Commander In Chief— in charge of military, war-must have approval from Congress • Chief of State— representative of all people

Federalism • Federalism– division of power between states and federal government • Federal or Enumerated Powers: trade between states, print $, declare war, deal with other countries, postal service

• State or Reserved Powers: local govs, schools, trade within borders, public safety • States can’t make laws that go against Federal Gov

• Shared or Concurrent Powers: roads, taxes, courts, public welfare, borrow $ • If conflicts arise, Constitution is supreme law of the land