Five Fundamental Principles

1
Five Fundamental Principles

• Chapter 3
• Section 4

2
Popular Sovereignty

• Supreme power belongs to the people
• We the people
• Examples Electing the President

3
Rule of Law

• The law applies to everyone, even those who
  govern
• Examples Article I forbids the spending of
  government funds without the approval of Congress.

4
Separation of Powers

• Each branch of government performs a different
  function
• Examples The legislative branch writes laws. The
  judicial branch interprets laws.

5
Checks Balances

• Each branch of government checks the other
  branches
• Examples The President can veto laws. Congress
  can override vetoes. The Supreme Court can
  declare a law unconstitutional.

6
Federalism

• Power is shared by the states and national
  government
• Examples Americans must obey both state and
  national laws.

7
Dividing Power

• Enumerated Powers powers listed in the
  Constitution belonging to national government.
• Reserved Powers powers not listed in the
  Constitution belonging to the state governments.
• Concurrent Powers powers shared by both the
  national and state governments.

8
Supreme Law of the Land

• Article VI
• shall be the supreme Law of the Land
• These five principles ensure the that the
  Constitution is the highest authority.