Popular
Sovereignty
Unwritten
Constitution
Flexibility
Federalism
The U.S.
Constitution
Checks &
Balances
Separation
of
Powers
Limited
Government
This is the first and most basic principle!
The power of the government rests with the people
Evidence of this…
- The first words of the Preamble are “We the People…”
- People choose their own representatives in elections
The sharing of power between National (Federal) Government and State Government
* Powers given to the National Govt.*
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Declare War
Negotiate Treaties
Issue Money
Regulate Interstate
Commerce
 Regulate Foreign Trade
 Levy Taxes
 Define Crimes
 Punishment
 Borrow Money
 Hold Elections
* Powers held by BOTH*
* Powers held by the State Govt’s*
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Grant Licenses
Regulate Education
Provide Police Force
Regulate Property
Sales within State
Makes it difficult for one individual or
group to gain control over the entire gov’t
 Power is limited and regulated by the Constitution
 Preamble – lists the purposes of the federal government
• Establish justice
• Insure domestic tranquility
• Promote the general welfare
• Secure liberties
Powers denied to the
Federal Government
• To suspend the writ of
habeas corpus, except in
times of war
• To spend money without
Congressional approval
Powers denied to both
Federal & State
Governments
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To pass ex post facto laws
To pass bills of attainder
To grant titles of nobility
To tax exports
To deny persons due process
of law
Powers denied to the
State Government
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To coin money
To enter into treaties
To tax imports
To tax the federal
government
To make sure that one branch does not become
too strong!!!
The Constitution has the ability to change and adapt to changing
situations.
• Amendment Process- three quarters (3/4) of the states must approve any amendment
• New Interpretations - the Supreme Court has the job of interpreting the Constitution
o The Elastic Clause – (a.k.a. the necessary and proper clause) permits the court to justify
new powers
o Helps the Court to adapt the Constitution to the needs of the times
Practices that became customary even though they were never formally incorporated
The Cabinet
The Constitution gave the President to
appoint people to assist him. Washington
started the trend of relying on these
people for advice
Political Parties
The Constitution does not mention political
parties. They have played a LARGE role in
our government system since Washington
was president.
Judicial Review
The Supreme Court has the power to
review federal and state laws to determine
if they are permissible under the U.S.
Constitution.
Congressional Committees
These help Congress select the most
important bills out of the thousands
proposed. Committees hold hearings,
discuss, and evaluate every bill.