7 Principles of the Constitution
By: Deana Shaw
Separation of Powers
“Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated.”- Article I Section 7.2, U.S. Constitution
The legislative branch is responsible for creating and passing laws is an example of this principle in action.
Popular Soverignty
“We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” –Preamble, U.S. Constitution
An example of this principle in action is: “...the right of the people ...to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Amendment I, U.S. Constitution
Federalism
An example of this principle in action would be: Some states collect income taxes while other states do not. All working citizens in the U.S. file federal income taxes
An example of this principle from the constitution is: Amendment 10
7 Principles of Government
Checks & Balances
An example of this principle from the Constitution is:
“The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years,” – Article II Section 1.1, U.S. Constitution
An example of this principle in action is:
President Andrew Johnson was accused of “high crimes and misdemeanors” and the House of Representatives voted to impeach him.
Republicanism
A quote from the constitution showing this principle is:
“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.”- U.S. Constitution Article IV, Section 4
An example of this principle in action is: individuals vote for elected officials.
Limited Government
A quote from the Constitution is:
“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.” – Article 1, Section 9.7, U.S. Constitution
An example of this principle in action is: any law that is not a law can't be used against someone.
7 Principles
Individual Rights
“No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by the law.” – Amendment III, U.S. Constitution
An example of this principle in action is: The New York Times publishes an editorial expressing sharp criticism of the President, this example shows freedom of speech.