Six Big Ideas of the US Constitution Republicanism

Six Big Ideas of the US Constitution

Republicanism In a Republic, voters ELECT a representative to vote on their behalf. Republics protect the rights of the minority from being trampled by the majority. What other advantages does a Republic have over a direct democracy?

Limited Government The power of the government is LIMITED by the Constitution. What documents/people first introduced this idea?

Popular Sovereignty Rule by the people. Ultimately, the citizens of a Republic are responsible for their government because they have the power to hire (vote for) and fire (not vote for) their representatives. This means that the government answers to the people that created it.

Federalism Power is divided between a central (federal) and state governments. Each is responsible for certain functions and has certain powers that limit the power of the other. What are some powers that the federal government has? States?

Separation of Powers Power within the federal government is divided between three branches. Executive-enforces laws. Legislative-makes laws. Judicial- interprets laws.

Checks and Balances Each of the three branches of governments checks (limits) the powers of the other two branches, ensuring that no one single branch becomes too powerful. How do the branches check one another?