The 7 Principles of the U.S Const.
By: Sofie Carlin
Popular Sovereignty
This is where the power in government is in the people's decision, somewhat like kings/queens in Magna Carta times (1215). Also, the preamble, says this, "We the People", meaning we, as the citizens of the U.S, have a right to have say in something. And as citizens of the United States we obey laws, and don't revolt to live in this country.
Republicanism
The people of the U.S use their power to elect/ vote for representatives to govern. The constitution guaranteens this in Article IV, where each state has a right to have a "republican form a government". For example, we elect Congress members to represent our ideas in the law- making process.
Seperation of Powers:
The 3 separated branches of government are; Legislative, Executive, and Judical, in which power is shared. Legislative makes the laws, and Executive inforces them, while Judicial interprets the law. This is all stated in the constitution, in Articles III, II, also if each branch carries out its job, then no government becomes too powerful. It's that simple!
Checks and Balances-
Each branch of government has a certain job (checks, which gives a bit more control) over the other two branches. In Article I & II, in the constitution, says that the president has the job of appointing Supreme and Federal court judges. Also, Congress has the power to impeach someone from office. Imagine, Say, you are playing paper, rock, or scissors with your friends; one has rock, you have paper. Paper has an added job, so it lands over the rock, covering it. This is how the checks and balances system works; one branch has a job to check other branches to make sure they are doing their job.
Federalism
Power held between the current national (Executive, Leg, Judicial) and State Gov. In the 10th Amendment, it is written that power isn't given to the federal government, and that its not denied to the states, when is already reserved for them. Shared powers are like the State gov. taxing its people. The national does this too, but on a higher level, plus it's for the entire U.S to pay up.
Individual Rights
These rights are given to you as a citizen of the United States. Personal freedom, personal protections, and equality under laws are all protected in the 1st ten amendments, in the constitution, and its also in the Bill of Rights. Which, was added to the constitution for the purpose of making sure the government didn't have the power to deprive those of their individual rights.
Limited Government
The government is limited under a set of rules. In Article I, section 9 & 10, of the constitution, it vaguely outlines the many powers that Congress doesn't have. Government officials can't do anything they want because their attached to the gov. Meaning everyone answers the call to the law.