7 Principles Practice

The opening words of the Constitution, “We the People,” reinforces this idea.

• Popular sovereignty

• Federalism

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

Each branch has been assigned its own responsibilities.

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

• Judicial Review

People elect representatives and give them the responsibility to make laws.

• Republicanism

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

The government has only the powers given to it by the people.

• Limited Government

• Unlimited Government

• Federal Government

• Popular Sovereignty

Our federal system allows the people of each state to deal with their needs in their own way. At the same time, it lets the states act together to deal with matters that affect all Americans.

• Federalism

• Monarchy

• Dictatorship

• Confederation

The government is divided into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial.

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

• Bicameralism

Freedom of speech and religion are examples of this principle.

• Individual Rights

• Collective Rights

• Economic Rights

• Political Rights

The legislature can override the President’s veto.

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Powers

• Judicial Review

• Federalism

The judicial branch can declare a president’s actions unconstitutional.

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Powers

• Federalism

• Judicial Review

The legislative branch has been given the power to declare war.

• Checks and Balances

• Separation of Powers

• Judicial Review

• Federalism