Seven Principles of the Constitution

Texas History

Republicanism

• Not the same as the Republican Party• Political value system that has dominated

political thought since the American Revolution.• Liberty and rights are its central values• Makes the people sovereign• People exercise power by voting• Expects citizens to be independent• Expects citizens to perform civic duties

Limited Government

• The rule of law:– No one is above the law

• Constitutionalism– The constitution is the law of the land

Separation of PowersExecutive

Branch

Legislative Branch

Judicial Branch

Checks and

Balances

Checks and Balances

• Congress makes the laws but the Presidents may veto laws made by Congress

• Presidents may veto laws but Congress may over-ride a veto be 2/3s majority in both Houses

• The Court may find a law passed by the Congress and signed by the President UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Federalism

• The sharing of power between the Federal Government and the states

• The Federal Government is the supreme• The overlapping spheres of power bind the

American people together Concurrent powers

– Delegated powers– Reserved powers– Concurrent powers

Delegated powers

Reserved powers

Division of Governmental PowersTreaties

Federal Only Concurrent/Shared States Only

Declare war Tax Issue licenses

Make peace Borrow money Provide local government

Army, Navy Establish courts Provide local schools

Regulate trade Arrest people

Issue money

Treaties

Popular Sovereignty

• Power rests with the people• People create government• Government of the people, by the people, and for

the people

Individual Rights

• Bill of Rights– Shield people from an overly powerful

government– Are the first ten constitutional amendments.– They guarantee personal liberties and privileges.