[Civ] U1L2 Principles of the Constitution

• The government only has the powers that the Constitution gives it. 

• Everyone, including government officials, must obey the law.

• This prevents the government from becoming too powerful.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• Just like how a babysitter has rules they must follow set by your parents, the government has rules it must follow set by the Constitution.

• They can’t just do whatever they want.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• The Constitution says what the government can and cannot do.

• The Bill of Rights protects individual freedoms, and the Constitution is the highest law.

• This means everyone, including government officials, must follow it.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• The Constitution protects certain rights for individuals.

• These rights cannot be taken away by the government.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• Think of the rules at school that protect you, like your right to speak in class discussions or your right to play at recess.

• These rules make sure everyone is treated fairly and respectfully.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• The first ten amendments to the Constitution list the rights that the government must protect, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial.

• These rights ensure that everyone’s personal freedoms are respected.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• This means electing representatives to make decisions for us.

• Instead of everyone voting on every issue, we choose people who we trust to make good decisions on our behalf.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• Just like when you elect a student representative to speak for your class in local school council meetings, we vote for senators and representatives to speak for us in the government.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• The Constitution says we elect people to represent us in government.

• For example, we vote for members of the House of Representatives. 

• This way, we have a voice in the government by choosing leaders who make decisions for us.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• The government is divided into three branches:

• Legislative (makes laws), Executive (carries out laws), and Judicial (interprets laws).

• This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

• Limited Government

• Individual Rights

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers