Our Constitutional
Framework
The U.S. Constitution is the highest law
of the land.
Sets forth basic framework of
government.
Also, lists powers, the limits on powers,
and the freedoms that cannot be taken
away.
Our Constitutional
Framework
Limited Government: Fundamental
notion of Constitution. National
government has limited power with
regulation over only those rules in Article
I of the Constitution.
Separation of Powers: Three branches
of government. Meant to keep one
branch from becoming too powerful.
Our Constitutional
Framework
Statutes: These are laws. Passed only
by the Legislative branch, or Congress.
Checks and Balances: The branches of
government are independent, but have
the ability to “check” or “balance” one
another. In other words, keep them in
their place.
Our Constitutional
Framework
Veto: Presidential power aimed at
“checking” the Legislature. A refusal to
approve a law.
Judicial review: The Courts are allowed
to determine the Constitutionality of a
law. Another “check”.
Unconstitutional: A law the Courts have
found to be against the Constitution.
Our Constitutional
Framework
Federalism: The division of power
between the Federal and State
government.
Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments
to the Constitution. Guarantees
fundamental rights of people. Religion,
speech, press, bear arms…
The Bill of Rights
 http://billofrightsinstitute.org/foundin
g-documents/bill-of-rights/
What principle?
 Separation of Powers, Checks
and Balances, Judicial review,
federalism, combination?
 A state law requires that a prayer be said each day in
a public school. The courts rule that the law violates
the First Amendment. Does it?
 Congress passes a law requiring that Supreme Court
sessions be televised.
 Because a prison is very old and overcrowded, a state
court orders the state legislature to spend $100
million on a new prison.