Principles of the Constitution

Rule by the people; government's authority comes from the consent of the people

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• judicial review

power is divided between the national and state governments

• limited government

• federalism

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• judicial review

Each of the three branches of government has its own responsibilities

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• judicial review

each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• judicial review

the power of federal courts to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments invalid if they violate the Constitution

• popular sovereignty

• limited government

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• judicial review

Constitution limits the actions of the government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• limited government

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

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• limited government

This practice was established in Marbury v. Madison. (1803)

• popular sovereignty

• limited government

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• judicial review

"Congress shall make no law. . ." (this part of the Constitution is telling Congress what they cannot do)

• popular sovereignty

• limited government

• federalism

• checks and balances

• judicial review

speed limits differ from state to state

• popular sovereignty

• separation of powers

• federalism

• checks and balances

• judicial review