Principles of the Constitution

This is an example of the 10th amendment. If it is not in the U.S. Constitution, the rights are reserved for the states.  The national and states share power.

• Popular Sovereignty
• Checks and Balances
• Federalism
• Separation of Powers

The government has a limited amount of power. No one is above the law. Everyone must follow the rules of the United States of America.

• Individual Rights
• Limited Government
• Republicanism
• Popular Sovereignty

Every citizen of the United States of America is entitled to their unalienable rights. These rights are God-given, and can't be taken away. They include the freedom of religion, freedom to assemble, to petition, the freedom of press and free-speech.

• Federalism
• Limited Government
• Republicanism
• Individual Rights

We the people get to vote. We have the final authority. The popular vote wins.

• Republicanism
• Popular Sovereignty
• Federalism
• Separation of Powers

We live in a country where the people choose a representative to make choices for us. Hopefully, the make good decisions.

• Republicanism
• Federalism
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers

To ensure that the government doesn't have too much power, the three branches have the same amount of power. They each makes sure the other branches don't have too much power. Veto, override.

• Limited Government
• Federalism
• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances

There are 3 branches of government. They each have a set of jobs and powers. The executive enforces the law. The legislative makes the law. The judicial branch interprets the law.

• Limited Government
• Republicanism
• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances.

This document is known as the original. It limited the powers of the king.  It introduced the idea of individual rights (nobles) and also the idea that everyone is entitled to a trial by jury of their peers.

• English Bill of Rights
• Constitution
• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
• Magna Carta

This document was created by the Pilgrims. It was the first form of self-government.

• Magna Carta
• Mayflower Compact
• English Bill of Rights
• Constitution

This document was written by Thomas Hooker. It was the first written constitution.

• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
• Magna Carta
• English Bill of Rights
• Constitution