Six Basic Principles of the Constitution Unit 2

Six Basic Principles of the Constitution Unit 2: Constitution

• 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:

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

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

3. Separation of Powers • Article 1: Legislative Branch o 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 o Confirm or veto laws, appoint supreme court justices, make treaties • Article III: Judicial: Supreme Court o Make sure laws are legal according to the constitution • • So… Legislative – pass laws Executive – enforces laws Judicial – makes sure laws are legal

4. Checks and Balances • *Each branch of government checks each other • *Trying to make sure one branch doesn’t become too powerful 1. How does the system of Checks and Balances reflect a limited government?

• 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 2/3 s 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.

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

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

Requirements • For each principle have… o Name of principle o Description of principle o Illustration to depict the principle •