Principles of the US Constitution

1
Principles of the US Constitution Separation of
Powers

• Goal 2.01- Identify principles in the United
  States Constitution.

2
A. Principles of the US Constitution

• Preamble
• a) gives the purpose goals of government
• (1) to form a more perfect union, insure
• domestic tranquility, provide for the common
• defense, promote the general welfare, secure
  the
• blessings of liberty
• b) We the people of the United States
• 2. Limited Govt.
• a) govt. powers should be limited
• b) protects against an abusive government

3
A. Principles (Cont.)

• 3. Popular Sovereignty
• a) the right of the people to rule themselves
• b) govt. lies w/ those who consent to being
  governed
• c) believe in direct and representative
  democracy
• (1) carried out through elections, elected reps
  rule on our behalf
• 4. Enumerated Powers
• a) Given to the federal government
• b) aka delegated (assigned by the Const. to
  federal govt),
• c) declare war, make peace, make treaties,postal
  system, citizenship, immigration, printing
  currency, regulating interstate commerce

4
A. Principles (Contin)

• 5. Reserved Powers
• a) Powers given to the states
• b) state commerce, education, local government,
  control voting, welfare safety of citizens
• 6. Concurrent Powers
• a) Powers shared by all levels of government
• b) making laws, enforcing laws, borrowing money,
  taxing, provide for the welfare and safety of
  citizens
• 7. Other Powers in Article I, Section 8 Elastic
  Clause
• a) Congress can make all laws that shall be
  necessary and proper
• b) Expressed Powers- specifically in the Const.
• c) Implied Powers- not specifically in the
  Const.

5
B. Separation of Powers

• Philosophy that best govt function of governing
  are divided
• 2. To keep individuals parts from being abusive
• 3. Divided into Legislative Branch (makes the
  laws), Executive Branch (enforces the laws),
  Judicial Branch (judges the laws)
• 4. Has Checks and Balances keeps one branch from
  overpowering the others.
• Example
• Supreme Court (JB) can declare legislation (LB)
  unconstitutional
• President (EB) can veto a bill passed by
  Congress (LB)
• Congress (LB) may vote to override a veto (EB)