A More Perfect
Union
Unit 5
How does The Constitution reflect principles of
government?
In other words:
How does The Constitution show principles of
government?
There are 7 principles “reflected” in The
Constitution.
Principles of the Constitution
Limited Government
❏ The Constitution and laws define the limits of those in
power so they can’t abuse their power.
❏ Everyone must obey laws.
❏ The government is restricted in what it may do.
Principles of the Constitution
Republicanism
❏ A philosophy of government with elected
representatives serving at the will of the
people.
❏ Government is based on the consent of the
people.
Principles of the Constitution
Checks & Balances
❏ A system that doesn’t let one branch of the
government have too much power.
Principles of the Constitution
Federalism (10th Amendment)
❏ The distribution of power between a federal government
and the states in a union.
❏ The Constitution delegates certain powers only to the
state.
❏ The Constitution delegates certain powers only to the
federal government.
❏ Other powers are shared between the federal
government and the states.
Principles of the Constitution
Separation of Powers
❏ Legislative
❏ Executive
❏ Judicial
Principles of the Constitution
Legislative Branch (makes laws)
❏ Includes Congress
❏ Congress is made up of the Senate & the
House of Representatives.
❏ Powers outlined in Article I of the
Constitution.
Principles of the Constitution
Judicial Branch (interprets the laws)
❏ Includes all courts in the United States & the
highest court called The Supreme Court.
❏ Powers outlined in Article III of the
Constitution.
Principles of the Constitution
Executive Branch (carries out the laws)
❏ Includes the President.
❏ Powers outlined in Article II of the
Constitution.
Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty
❏ The concept that political power rests with
the people.
❏ The people can create, alter or abolish the
government.
❏ People express themselves through voting
and participation in government.
Principles of the Constitution
Individual Rights
❏ Protected in the Bill of Rights
❏ The Bill of Rights was added to the
Constitution in 1791.
Amending the Constitution
Purpose
❏ The Constitution can be amended when it is
deemed necessary by the people.
❏ The Constitution was designed to be
adjusted with the changing times.
❏ The Constitution is considered a “living
document.”
Amending the Constitution
Process #1
1. Amendment is proposed by at least ⅔ vote of the
Senate and The House of Representatives.
2. Proposal goes to state legislature to be ratified.
3. Must have ¾ of the votes to pass OR
4. Must have ¾ of the votes in a special state convention
Amending the Constitution
Process # 2
1. Amendment is proposed by a convention called for by
⅔ of the states.
2. Proposal goes to state legislature to be ratified.
3. Must have ¾ of the votes to pass OR
4. Must have ¾ of the votes in a special state convention.
John Marshall
❏ Appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court by President Adams.
❏ Adams was the 2nd United States President.
❏ Set the precedent of Judicial Review in the
landmark court case Marbury v. Madison.
John Marshall
Judicial Review
❏ Established by the court case Marbury v.
Madison.
❏ The authority to declare acts of Congress
unconstitutional.
❏ The Supreme Court makes sure that
Congress is following the law.