Six Principles of the Constitution

The Constitution's 6 Big Principles

Review the main principles in this lesson and answer the questions.

Popular Sovereignty

Popular sovereignty is the idea that the people are the source of all power in the government. This idea was important to the founders because they were afraid of a government having too much power over the people.

The Tenth Amendment

The Tenth Amendment of the Constitution supports popular sovereignty.

Examples of Popular Sovereignty

• Citizens can vote for leaders and government actions in states

• Citizens can also suggest new laws

• Citizens hold the power to call on officials to vote in certain ways

Multiple Choice

What amendment supports the principle popular sovereignty?

• 1st

• 7th

• 4th

• 10th

Limited Government

The idea of limited government is that the government only possesses the power that the people give it. ALSO, the government has to follow the Constitution.

Did you know?

The idea of limited Government was adopted from the Magna Carta in 1215 when the King's powers were limited.

Multiple Select

Check the two ways of how the central government is limited in its power.

• The government has to follow the Constitution

• The government has to have alliances with other countries

• The government only has the power the people give it

• The government has all power

Separation of Powers

This principle establishes three separate branches that share the government's power. These branches are the legislative, executive, and judicial. They all have different duties, but share power equally.

Multiple Choice

Which branch has the most power?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

• None of the above

Checks and Balances

This principle ensures that none of the three branches can become too powerful. Each branch has ways to limit the power of the others.

Examples:

• The President can veto a law passed by Congress

• Congress can impeach a president or judges for certain crimes

• The Supreme Court can determine if laws passed by Congress or executive orders are Constitutional

Multiple Choice

When the president vetos a bill presented by Congress which branch would he or she checking?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

Multiple Choice

If Congress impeaches the president, what branch of government are they checking?

• Executive

• Legislative

• Judicial

Republicanism

The United States is a republic, which means that the people elect representatives who lead, govern, and make laws in our country. This is also known as representative democracy.

Power to the People

The people elect representatives by voting for individuals they want in government. The elected representatives then vote for laws or lead the country. Think of it like student council - a few people (who you have voted for) help make decisions for the student body.

Multiple Choice

How is the principle of republicanism linked to popular sovereignty?

• The people have the power

• Only the representatives have power

Federalism

Federalism is the idea that power is divided between state and national government. This is meant to ensure that both the state or national government does not become too powerful.

Example

An example of federalism is the US motto "E Pluribus Unum" which is Latin for "Out of many, one." This is the idea that out of many states we are one nation.

Read the shared powers carefully - there is a question on the next slide.

Multiple Select

What are 3 shared powers between the national and state governments? Check the 3 that apply.

• Establish courts

• Provide for the general welfare

• Declare War

• Punish criminals