Basic Principles of the Constitution

The people are the source of all governmental authority.

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

• Judicial Review

The President is responsible for executing, enforcing, and administering the law.

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Judicial Review

• Federalism

A two-thirds vote in each house of Congress is needed to override a President's veto.

• Checks and Balances

• Judicial Review

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

This practice was established to review the actions of the legislative and executive branches.

• Judicial Review

• Separation of Powers

• Federalism

• Popular Sovereignty

"Congress shall make no law..." (first words of the first amendment)

• Judicial Review

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Limited Government

Only Congress has the power to declare war.

• Federalism

• Judicial Review

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Powers

Presidential appointees (for instance, judges) are subject to approval by the Senate.

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Popular Sovereignty

"We the people of the United States..." (first words of the Constitution)

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

• Separation of Powers

• Federalism

In Arizona, citizens pay both a State and a Federal income tax.

• Judicial Review

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

• Limited Government

Government may exercise only those powers given to it.

• Federalism

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Judicial Review