Principles of the Constitution

This principle guarantees that citizens possess basic rights and liberties the government is to protect.

• Individual Rights

• Popular Sovereignty

• Bill of Rights

• Republicanism

This principle means that the power of government comes from the people.

• Individual Rights

• Popular Sovereignty

• Bill of Rights

• Republicanism

A form of government where voters choose representatives to exercise the power voters give to them, on their behalf.

• Individual Rights

• Popular Sovereignty

• Bill of Rights

• Republicanism

The government is not all-powerful, there are limits to what it can do! The Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land and ALL government officials are subject to the law.

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

This principle of the U.S. Constitution divides the powers of the government into three separate groups to ensure no one becomes too powerful.

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

Closely connected to the Separation of Powers, this principle was created by the Founding Fathers to ensure that three branches of government, the legislative, executive, and judicial, would be able to limit the power of the other branches.

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

This principle was established to share powers between the federal and state governments.

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

The idea that the government was created by the people of America was--

• Popular Sovereignty
• Republicansim
• Federalism
• Self-government

Who shares power according to the principle of federalism?

• Elected officials and appointed officials.
• State government and federal government.
• Executive and Legislative branches.
• People and government.

Which principle split the power of the government into three branches?

• Self-government
• Republicanism
• Separation of Powers
• Limited government