Principles of the Constitution

The powers of the government are split into 3 different branches of government.

• Separation of Powers

• Checks & Balances

• Federalism

• Limited Government

Each branch of government has power over the other branches of government. This is intended to keep one branch from becoming too powerful.

• Separation of Powers

• Checks & Balances

• Federalism

• Limited Government

The powers of government are shared between the federal (national) government and the states. The federal government oversees the entire country and a state oversees within its jurisdiction.

• Separation of Powers

• Checks & Balances

• Federalism

• Limited Government

The people exercise their power by delegating it to representatives chosen by them through the election process.

• Separation of Powers

• Checks & Balances

• Federalism

• Republicanism

Ultimate power and final authority rest with the people or all the citizens.

• Separation of Powers

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Republicanism

Government’s power is limited by the rule of law which includes the Constitution and the laws which are passed in pursuance of that Constitution. This means the government is not all-powerful.

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Federalism

• Republicanism

Article I, Section VIII Congress shall have the power … To declare war

Article II, Section II The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Federalism

• Checks & Balances

Amendment 10 The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Federalism

• Republicanism

 “We the People of the United States… do ordain and establish this Constitution…”

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

• Republicanism

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land...”

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism