7 Priniples of the Constitution
By: Joseph Chen
7 Principles of the Constitution
Limited Government: This principle means that the government only has the powers that the Constitution can give it.
Separation of Powers: This principle of the Constitution divides the government into 3 branches; legislative, judicial, and executive.
Federalism: This principle of the Constitution means that the federal government and the state governments share power. Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states.
Republicanism: This principle of the Constitution means that citizens elect representatives to carry out their will rather than taking part directly in government.
Checks and Balances: This principle of the Constitution establishes a system where each branch limits (or checks) the power of the other branches. This helps to balance out the power of the branches.
Individual Rights: This principle states that the Constitution will protect certain rights like freedom of religion, speech, and trial by jury.
Popular Sovereignty
Example: Impeaching the president (altering the government); Non-Example: Communism (people cannot choose who they want out of office).
Limited Government
Example: Referee (can only do a certain amount of things); Non-Example: Monarchy (controls the people).
Separation of Powers
Example: Players on the football field (different positions); Non-Example: The King (controls entire country).
Federalism
Example: Freeways (Owned by states, but the guidelines are set by U.S. government); Non-Example: Communism (North Korea makes their own rules).
Republicanism
Example: A delegate in the Constitutional Convention; Non-Example: Citizens taking part in government. whenever they want.
Checks and Balances
Example: A student and teacher (the teacher can give out the grades to the student, but the student can report the teacher if he/she is messing up the grades on purpose); Non-Example: Communism (single body of government that has no branches).
Individual Rights
Non-Example: Not being able to practice whatever religion you want.