The Six Basic Principles of the Constitution
Principle (n): A basic truth, law, or assumption: ex. the principles of democracy, the Constitution, etc.
Popular Sovereignty
The principle of popular sovereignty states that the power of the government lies with the people. The people of the United States are able to make their own decisions about political leaders and laws by voting.
Separation of Powers
The principle of separation of powers states that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are independent, yet equal, branches of government. The separate branches were created to prevent the government from becoming too powerful.
Judicial Review
The principle of judicial review states that the Supreme Court can overturn laws created by Congress if they are found unconstitutional. The first case that established judicial review was Marbury v. Madison in 1803.
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Limited Government
The principle of limited government states that everyone must obey the law, even government officials. No one is above the law; if the law is broken, there is punishment for anyone that broke it. For example, if the President steals money from the bank, he is punished just like any other bank robber.
Checks and Balances
The principle of checks and balances establishes a system that allows for one branch to check, or restrain, the actions of another branch. For example, the President can veto, or reject, the laws passed by the Congress.
Federalism
The principle of federalism established the division of governmental power between one central government and several regional governments. For example, the United States has one federal government and fifty state governments.
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