7 Principles of The Constitution
By: Jesus Hernandez
Popular Sovereignty
This principle states that a government gets its authority to govern from the people. It means that people have the right to alter or abolish their government.
Example:
- Democracy
- Freedom of Speech
- Bill of Rights
Non-Example:
- King George 3rd
- Monarchy
- Communism
Limited Government
This Principle means that the government only has the powers that the Constitution gives it.
Example:
- Power to Draft an Army
- Able to create laws but have to be approved by Congress and Senate.
- Limited Monarchy
- Communism
- Unlimited power
- Tyranny
Separation of Powers
This principle of the Constitution divides the government into 3 main branches: Legislative, Judicial, Executive.
Examples:
- Judicial Branch
- Checks and Balance
Non-Examples
- King
- One ruler
- Leader
Federalism
This principle of the Constitution means that the Federal government and state government share power. Powers not given to the Federal government belong to the states.
Example:
- State Government (Federal)
- National Government (State)
- County Gov.
Right arm(Federal Gov.) + Left ( State Gov.) =Nation
Republicanism
This principle of the Constitution means that citizens elect representatives to carry out their will rather than taking part directly on government.
Example:
- House of Representatives
- State Representatives
Non-Example:
- Governor
- Judge
House of Representatives represent the ideas of their State's citizen's.
Checks and Balances
This principle of the Constitution establishes system where each branch limits( or checks) the power of the other branches. This helps to balance out the power of the branches(Legislative, Executive, etc.).
Example:
- Having multiple leader to limit having too much power.
Non-Example:
- having one king.
- Tyranny
Individual Rights
This principle states that the Constitution will protect certain rights like freedom of religion, speech, and trial by jury.
Examples
- Bill of Rights
- Freedom
Non-Examples
- Tyranny
- No Say
- Slave