Constitutional Principles

Power resides with the people

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Federalism

• Independent Judiciary

The Judicial Branch is independent from the pressures and influences of the other two branches

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Federalism

• Independent Judiciary

Power is divided between the central government and the individual state and local governments.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Federalism

• Independent Judiciary

All people must abide by the laws - even the leaders.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Federalism

• Independent Judiciary

Powers and responsibilities are divided among three branches to prevent any one from having too much power.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Separation of Powers

• Individual Rights

These are protected against government encroachment.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Separation of Powers

• Individual Rights

"The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States." - Article I, Section 2, Clause 1

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Separation of Powers

• Individual Rights

"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government." - Article IV, Section 4

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Separation of Powers

• Individual Rights

"The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States." - Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

"This Constitution...shall be the supreme Law of the Land." - Article VI, Section 2

• Popular Sovereignty

• Rule of Law

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances