Seven Principles of the

United States Constitution

AssignmentsPart I Use the slide show to fill out the table On the left under each term create a small

picture or diagram of the principle On the right side explain or give a good example

of the principle.

Part II (write an essay) Use the introduction I provided making sure to fill

in the blanks. Use the simple outline to complete the essay.

Essential Question What principles are most important to ensure

a limited and just government in the US?

Who Gives the Government Power?

Popular Sovereignty-the people rule

“We the People…”

Gov. responsible to the people through free speech, press, elections.

Expanded-as the US has changed (race, gender, age)

How are people’s views represented in Government?

Republicanism-People exercise power by voting for political representatives.

Every state must have a republican form of gov’t.

Civic Republicanism-idea citizens must stay informed about politics and participate.

The Youth Vote 2012 (18-29)

Critical Thinking Question What are ways that a young person can be involved

the political process?

Why is it important to have informed voters?

How is power shared? Federalism- power is

divided and shared among a central gov’t., states, and local gov’t.

Delegated powers-national gov’t.

Reserved powers-states

Concurrent power- shared and exercised by both

Which part of government impacts your daily life the most?

Regulates Schools , hospitals, traffic laws, curfews, littering

How is power divided? Separation of Powers-divides basic gov.’t roles into

branches

No branch has all the power

Legislative Branch-makes laws, Executive Branch-enforces laws, and Judicial Branch-interprets laws.

How is power evenly distributed?

Checks and Balances-each branch has some control over the others and rely on each other to do gov’s. work.

Montesquieu- “Power should be a check on Power”

Congress can pass law-President can sign or veto-Supreme Court can declare law violates the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

Answer a few questions on the other side of the chart

using this slide.

• Approves budget

How is the abuse of power prevented?

Limited Government-both state and national governments must adhere to their Constitutions.

Bill of Rights-Keeps government from becoming overpowering.

Individuals or groups cannot twist or bypass laws to serve own interests.

How are personal freedoms protected?

Individual Rights-personal liberties and privileges.

Protected in the First Ten Amendments called the Bill of Rights.

1st Amendment- Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Petition and Assembly

Seven Principles Essay

What two principles are most important to ensure a limited and just government in the US? Justify your answer using the sources provided to you in this lesson.

The US Constitution was written in 1787 and still guides our government today. Supporting this constitution are seven principles which were meant to establish and maintain a limited and just government. The two most important of these principles are ______ and _______. Without _________ and ________ our government would not serve as a model for a government by the people .

7 Principles Essay Introduction

Principle #1 Define, What is it? Give examples of it in “real life”

Principle #2 Define, What is it? Give examples of it in “real life”

Conclusion Describe one additional, less important principle Define it, explain why it’s not as important Restate your thesis