Seven Constitutional Principles

Seven Principles of the Constitution

By Mr. Gorena

​One Way To Remember

"People Like Rootbeer Floats, Skittles, and Chocolate Ice Cream​"

• ​People = Popular Sovereignty

• Like = Limited Government

• Rootbeer = Republicanism

• Floats = Federalism

• Skittles = Separation of Powers

• Chocolate = Checks and Balances

• Ice Cream = Individual Rights​

People can run for political office, campaign for individuals who run for political office, or protest decisions made by others. ​

​Example

The belief that people can and should govern themselves. The government gets its power from the people.​

​Explanation

POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

If a representative commits a crime, then he/she would be arrested and placed on trial just like everybody else.​

​Example

Everybody has to follow the same laws. Even members of the government.​

​Explanation

LIMITED GOVERNMENT

Citizens elect representatives to Congress and a President.

The entire population cannot vote on every law so representatives do that for them.​

​Example

The people vote for someone to represent their views in their local, state, and federal governments. (Representative Government)​

​Explanation

REPUBLICANISM

Federal power - national defense

​

State power - education and marriage laws​

​Example

The sharing of power between the state and federal (national) government​s.

​Explanation

FEDERALISM

Legislative: Makes the laws

​

Executive: Enforces the laws

​

Judicial: Interprets the laws​

​Example

The power of the federal (national) government​ is placed into 3 separate, but equal, branches

​Explanation

SEPARATION OF POWERS

Federal judges are nominated by the President, but must be approved by Congress.

Bills passed by Congress must be approved by the President.​

​Example

Each branch of the federal (national) government has the ability to check, or control, the powers of the other two branches​.

​Explanation

CHECKS AND BALANCES

Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition are all rights protected by the Bill of Rights​.

​Example

Unalienable rights (privileges with which people are born) that the government must protect.​

​Explanation

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS