The Seven Principles of the Constitution

Limited Government

How is abuse of power prevented? The Framers restricted the power of government. In the American government everyone, citizens and powerful leaders alike, must obey the law. Ex. 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters by members of Richard Nixon’s administration.

Limited Government

• Powers of the government are restricted by the Constitution.

Limited Government Example

President Nixon did not want to turn over his personal tapes recorded in the oval office. He was eventually forced to turn them over because even the President is not above the law.

Republicanism

How are people’s views represented in government? Republicanism is based on this belief: The people exercise their power by voting for their political representatives. Ex. Barack Obama addressing a town meeting

Republicanism

• Voters elect representatives to exercise power for them.

Republicanism Example

• The person I vote into office should represent my viewpoints and the people of the community he/she represents.

Checks and Balances

How is power evenly distributed? Each branch of government (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) can exercise checks over the other branches.

Checks and Balances

• Each of the three branches of government exercises some control over the others.

Checks and Balances Examples

• The President can pardon someone of a crime• The judicial branch can declare a law

unconstitional.• The President can veto a law• The legislative branch can override a

President’s veto• The legislative branch can impeach a President• The legislative branch approves treaties and

appointments

Federalism How is power shared? The Framers wanted the states and the nation to become partners in governing. To build cooperation, the Framers turned to federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between the central government and the states.

Federalism

• Power is divided between the national and state governments.

Federalism Examples

• State Powers: • Marriage • School • Driver’s Licenses• Criminal Courts• State Highways• Child Support • Tax (state)

• Federal Powers: • Coin Money• Foreign Policy • Mail • Tax (federal)• Social Security• Interstate Highways• Immigration

Separation of Powers

How is power divided? The Framers were concerned that too much power might fall into the hands of a single group. To avoid this problem, they built the idea of separation of powers into the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

• Each branch of government has its own responsibilities and limitations.

Separation of Powers

• Legislative Branch- MAKES the law

• Executive Branch- ENFORCES the law

• Judicial Branch- INTERPRETS the law.

Popular Sovereignty Who gives the government its power? The Constitution rests on the idea of popular sovereignty- a government in which the people rule.

Popular Sovereignty

• Authority for government flows from the people.

Popular Sovereignty

• Government was created BY the people, FOR the people. If the people don’t like the government they can change it.

Individual Rights

How are personal freedoms protected? The Bill of Rights guarantees certain individual rights, or personal liberties and privileges. For example, government cannot control what people write or say.

Individual Rights

• Unalienable rights guaranteed to all citizens.