Principles of the U.S. Constitution

This term gives the power to rule to the people. Also known as the “Consent of the Governed”

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Checks & Balances

• Republicanism

The belief that people exercise their power by voting for their political representatives.

• Separation of Powers

• Republicanism

• Individual Rights

• Popular Sovereignty

A system of government in which the states and national government share powers

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Reserved Powers

• Individual Rights

The federal government is divided into three branches, each with separate abilities and responsibilities.

• Separation of Powers

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Individual Rights

Each branch of government exercises controls over the other branches. This ensures that the branches work together fairly and with distribution of power.

• Individual Rights

• Limited Government

• Checks & Balances

• Federalism

Citizens and powerful leaders alike, must obey the law.

Individuals or groups cannot twist or bypass the law to serve their own interests.

• Individual Rights

• Limited Government

• Federalism

• Republicanism

Personal liberties and privileges are protected. The first ten amendments to the Constitution shield people from an overly powerful government. These amendments are called the Bill of Rights.

• Limited Government

• Checks & Balances

• Individual Rights

• Separation of Powers

A Woman is being tried for shoplifting. The prosecuting attorney forces her to take the stand and testify.

• This IS a violation of the woman's Fifth Amendment right protecting herself from self incrimination

• This IS NOT a violation of the woman's Fifth Amendment right protecting herself from self incrimination

A dentist is being sued for $500,000. He wants a jury to hear the case but the judge refuses his request.

• IS a violation of the 7th Amendment which guarantees the to a jury by trial in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds $20.00

• IS NOT a violation of the 7th Amendment which guarantees the to a jury by trial in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds $20.00

The government tries a man for assault and loses the case. A jury says he is innocent. The district attorney who prosecuted the case is mad and promises to keep trying him until they get a jury to convict him. The defendant thinks this is unfair.

• This IS a violation of the 5th Amendment which prohibits a person from being tried twice for the same crime.

• This IS NOT a violation of the 5th Amendment which prohibits a person from being tried twice for the same crime.