TEKS 15D: Principles of the Constitution

Front

The people have the power to rule

Back

popular sovereignty

Front

The people elect government officials to represent them

Back

republicanism

Front

Government officials must obey the law

Back

limited government

Front

Government powers are divided between three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial

Back

separation of powers

Front

The branches of government limit and control each other so no branch becomes too powerful

Back

checks and balances

Front

The federal and state governments share some powers and divide others between them

Back

federalism

Front

The government protects the personal freedoms of the people it governs

Back

individual rights

Front

What principle is expressed in the preamble of the Constitution: "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"?

Back

popular sovereignty

Front

"All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States..."
"The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America..."
"The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court..."

Back

separation of powers

Front

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively..."

Back

federalism