THE CONSTITUTION
Key Constitutional Principles
Concept 1: Separation of Powers
A way of dividing power among three branches of government in
which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the
president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible
to different constituencies.
Concept 2: Checks and Balances
A government
structure that gives
each of the three
branches of
government some
degree of oversight
and control over the
actions of the others
Concept 3: Federalism
System of government in which power is divided between the
national government and the state governments and in
which independent states are bound together under one
national government
Concept 4: Limited Government
A type of
government
in which its
functions and
powers are
written,
limited, and
restricted by
law to
protect the
citizenry.
National Government
• May not violate the Bill of Rights
• May not impose export taxes among states
• May not use money from the Treasury without
the passage and approval of an appropriations
bill
• May not change state boundaries
State Government
• May not enter into treaties with other countries
• May not print money
• May not tax imports or exports
• May not Impair obligations of contracts
• May not suspend a person's rights without due
process
Concept 5: Individual Rights/Liberties
The Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments) was added to protect
the rights of individuals. This was to ensure the government
did not pass or enforce any law that could severely limit the
rights of people.
Concept 6: Judicial Review
Powers are granted to the judiciary to review and interpret
laws. They may uphold or overturn legislation.
Concept 7: Popular Sovereignty
This concept provides that the people vote for their
government. They elect candidates and decide the issues.
Cartoon #1
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Cartoon #2
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Cartoon #3
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Cartoon #4
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Cartoon #5
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Cartoon #6
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Cartoon #7
Which constitutional principle is represented in this cartoon? What is the message the
cartoonist is trying to get across? What symbols does the cartoonist use?
Group Activity
In your group, make a poster about the
assigned principle of government. Be sure to
include:
-At least 5 pictures
-The definition of your principle
-At least two examples
-List at least ONE other country that has a
similar (or the same) principle in their
government
-Rank your principle in comparison to the
other five principles of government