Principles of the Constitution

The sharing of power between the federal government and state governments.

• Republicanism
• Popular Sovereignty
• Federalism

The Constitution shields certain rights from an overly powerful government

• Limited Government
• Popular Sovereignty
• Individual Rights

The idea that the government’s authority comes from the people and reflects their will.

• Popular Sovereignty
• Republicanism
• Federalism

Each branch can limit the actions of the other two branches and rely on each other to work.

• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances
• Limited Government

The people exercise their power by voting for political representatives to make laws.

• Republicanism
• Checks and Balances
• Federalism

To avoid too much power going to one group, the Constitution divided the govt. into 3 branches.

• Checks and Balances
• Limited Government
• Separation of Powers

Everyone, citizens and powerful leaders alike must obey the law.

• Limited Government
• Individual Rights
• Separation of Powers