The Principles of the United States Constitution

I. Popular Sovereignty

The people hold the ultimate authority. A representative democracy lets the people elect

leaders to make decisions for them. Mary Landrieu, David Vitter, Bobby Jindal,

William Jefferson, Charlie Melanco, Jim McCrery, Rodney Alexander, Richard Baker, and Charles Boustany are our elected officials.

II. Limited Government

Framers wanted to guard against tyranny. Government is limited to the power given in

the Constitution. The Constitution tells how leaders who

overstep their power can be removed.

III. Federalism

The division of power between State and National Governments.

Some powers are shared. The National Government has the “supreme

power.”

IV. Separation of Powers

No one holds “too much” power. Legislative branch makes the laws. Executive branch carries out the laws. Judicial branch interprets the laws.

Legislative Branch

Senate and House of Representatives Make our laws Appropriate Money Regulate Immigration Establish Post Offices and Roads Regulate Interstate Commerce and

Transportation Declare War

Executive Branch

The President of the United States Chief Executive Chief of State Chief Legislator Commander in Chief

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court and other Federal Courts Preserve and protect the rights guaranteed

by the Constitution Considers cases involving national laws Declares laws and acts “unconstitutional”

V. Checks and Balances

Prevents the abuse of power in government Each branch can check each other branch

Executive Checks

Propose laws to Congress Veto laws made by Congress Negotiate foreign treaties Appoint federal judges Grant pardons to federal offenders

Legislative Checks

Override president’s veto Ratify treaties Confirm executive appointments Impeach federal officers and judges Create and dissolve lower federal courts

Judicial Checks

Declare executive acts unconstitutional Declare laws unconstitutional Declare acts of Congress unconstitutional The Supreme Court holds the final check

Show What You Know

QUIZ

Who holds the ultimate authority in our government?

A. The President B. The People C. The Military

B. The People

What part of the government is the Legislative Branch?

A. Congress and House of Representatives B. Supreme Court C. President of the United States

A. Congress and House of Representatives

What part of the government is the Executive Branch?

A. Congress and House of Representatives B. Supreme Court C. President of the United States

C. President of the United States

What part of the government is the Judicial Branch?

A. Congress and House of Representatives B. Supreme Court C. President of the United States

B. Supreme Court

Which branch of government makes our laws and regulate immigration?

A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

A. Legislative

Which branch of government propose laws to Congress and grants

pardons to federal offenders?

A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

A. Executive

Which branch of government declares war and establishes post

offices and roads? A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

A. Legislative

Which branch of government preserves and protects the rights

guaranteed by the Constitution andconsiders cases involving national

laws? A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

A. Judicial

Which branch of governement veto laws made by Congress and

appoints federal judges?

A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

A. Executive

Which branch of governemnt declares laws unconstitutional and

holds the final check?

A. Legislative B. Executive C. Judicial

A. Judicial