7 Major Principles of the U.S. Constitution

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Chapter 4 Section 1 Seven Principles of the U. S. Constitution

Popular Sovereignty

1.

The government 2. gets its power from the people

Republicanism

Limited Government

Voters hold sovereign power. 1. Government People choose their only has representatives in powers government granted by

Federalism 1.

Power to govern is shared by nation and states.

2.

people. 3. 2. Article I states powers 4. 3. Bill of Rights=rights of the people. 5. 4. “Rule of Law”=nobody 6. is above the law.

States deal with own needs, and may act together.

Enumerated Powers=nation Reserved Powers=states Concurrent Powers=shared by nation and state Constitution is supreme law of land.

Separation of Powers 1. Three branches: A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

Checks and Balances 1. Each branch may check, or limit, the power of another branch.

Individual Rights 1. Bill of Rights became a part of the Constitution in 1791. A. First 10 Amendments B. Provide basic liberties and rights to people 2. The 17 Amendments after BoR expand our rights and adjust certain provisions of Constitution.