7 Principles of the Constitution
Created by Jacob Galle
Popular Sovereignty
Ex: people vote for representatives, presidents, and other leaders.
The Preamble to the Constitution says: "We the people ... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Republicanism
Ex. The people of the U.S. vote for a president to run the nation.
Article II: "He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years"
Federalism
Ex. A state government cannot declare war, but a national government cannot decide marriage laws.
10th Amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
Separation of Powers
Ex. The legislative branch has the power to make laws, the executive has the power to enforce laws, and the judicial has the power to interpret the laws.
Article I: "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives."
Checks and Balances
Ex. The executive branch can veto a law that the legislative branch tries to pass.
Article I: "Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it becomes a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approves he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it."
Limited Government
Ex. The government must follow the rules of the constitution just like every other citizen.
Article 1 Section 9.7: "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time."
Individual Rights
Ex. Men and women have the the right to not be slaves under the constitution.
1st Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."