The Seven Principles of Government The Constitution is built upon seven basic principles of government. The Framers of

1. The Seven Principles of GovernmentThe Constitution is built upon seven basic principles of government. The Framers of the Constitution used these principles to create the �supreme law� of our land.

2. 2 Basic Principles Who were the framers?

3. 3 Basic Principles

4. 4 Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty Definiton: What does popular refer to? Population, or people. A sovereign king does what? Rule So together, Popular Sovereignty means?

5. 5 Basic Principles People Rule

6. 6 Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty (people rule) The Preamble to the Constitution begins with this bold phrase, �We the People...� These words announce that in the United States, the people establish government and give it its power. The people are sovereign. Since the government receives it power from the people, it can govern only with their consent.

7. 7 Basic Principles Example: So how do we rule?

8. 8 Basic Principles Republicanism In outlining our government � of the people and by the people,� the Constitution connects the citizenry of the United States to our government positions by way of elections. This election process confirms the principle of popular sovereignty by allowing the people of America to choose their leaders. A representative democracy � government works efficiently through elected representatives

9. 9 Basic Principles Limited Government  Because the people are the source of government power, the government has only as much authority as the people give it.

10. 10 Basic Principles More�Limited Government Limited government means that neither the government nor any government official is �above the law� and can overstep these constitutional bounds.

11. 11 Basic Principles Federalism Divides power between a central government and smaller, local governments. This sharing of power is intended to ensure that the central government is powerful enough to be effective, yet not so powerful as to threaten States or citizens. It also allows individual States to deal with local problems at the local level�so long as their actions are constitutional.

12. 12 Basic Principles Separation of Powers Government power is not only limited: it is also divided.

13. 13 Basic Principles Separation of Powers The Constitution assigns specific powers to each of the three branches: Legislative (Congress), Executive (President) and Judicial (Supreme Court). This prevents any branch from becoming too powerful.

14. 14 Basic Principles Checks and Balances The system of check and balances extends the restrictions established by the separation of powers.

15. 15 Basic Principles

16. 16 Basic Principles Judicial Review Who decides whether an act of government oversteps the limits placed on it by the Constitution? Historically, the judges in the federal courts have made the decisions. The principle of judicial review was established early in the history of the nation.

17. 17 Basic Principles Marbury v Madison In 1800 Thomas Jefferson wins the presidency. Defeats John Adams. Before Jefferson actually begins his term, (March 4, 1801),William Marbury wants the position of Justice of the Peace in Washington DC He was approved by the Senate, and (soon-to-be-leaving office), John Adams signs the appointment to JP. Jefferson tells Secretary of State James Madison, �No way, new sheriff in town. Window is closed.� Marbury sues Madison for not delivering his appointment to office.

18. 18 Basic Principles Judicial Review Declared

19. 19 Basic Principles Individual Rights The government cannot take advantage of individual citizens Your rights as a citizen are guaranteed in the Constitution with the Bill of Rights