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Foundations of American Government: Key Constitutional Principles Explained

This guide explores the core principles of the US Constitution, including popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, and federalism. Learn how these principles safeguard individual rights and prevent abuse of power.

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Foundations of American Government: Key Constitutional Principles Explained

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  1. 6 Basic Principles of the Constitution

  2. 1. Popular Sovereignty • All Power is held by the People • The power to govern is given through the Constitution • Amendments protecting sovereignty: • 15th – African Americans • 17th – Senators elected directly • 19th – Women • 24th – Outlawed poll tax • 26th – Voting age lowered to 18

  3. 2. Limited Government • Government can only do what the people give it the power to do • Constitutionalism - Those who govern must also obey the law; also called rule of law

  4. 3. Separation of Powers • Legislative Branch – make the laws • Represents a district or state • Serves 2 or 6 years • Executive Branch – enforces the laws • Represents the whole country • Serves 4 years • Judicial Branch – interprets the laws • Represents the Constitution • Serves for life

  5. 4. Checks and Balances • Each Branch is checked by the other branches • Ensures one branch does not have all the power • Chart – page 68

  6. 5. Judicial Review • Power of the court to determine the constitutionality of a government • Supremacy Clause – US Constitution is the supreme law of the land

  7. 6. Federalism • Some powers are delegated to the national gov’t and some are reserved for the states • States have their own laws, courts, constitutions, and elected officials

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