7 Principles of the Constitution Notes
 What are the 7 Principles of the Constitution?
Which of the 7 principles is most
1._____________________________________________________
important in your life today? Why?
2._____________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________
6._____________________________________________________
7._____________________________________________________
 What is Popular Sovereignty?
Popular Sovereignty means the government is controlled by
______________________________________.
Example(s) – People can run for office, campaign for individuals who run, or protest decisions made by
other, and vote.
Popular Sovereignty is found
________________________________________________________________.
 What is Republicanism?
Republicanism means people __________________ for people to represent their views in Congress.
In our country, we have voted for____________ Representatives and _________ Senators. They make
our nation’s laws.
 What is Separation of Powers?
Separation of Powers divides the powers of government into 3
branches___________________________, ______________________________, and
______________________________________.
 How do the Senate and the House Work Together to Pass Laws?
In order for a law to pass, it has to pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Great Compromise created this situation.
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
What branch can declare laws unconstitutional?
______________________________________________
To whom do cabinet members report?
______________________________________________________
What branch of government initiates and approves laws?
_______________________________________
 What are checks and balances?
Each of the 3 branches of government has a little control, or check, on the other 2 branches.
Example – Federal judges are nominated by the President, but have to be approved by Congress.
 What is a Veto?
The President can reject a law by not signing it.
If the President does not sign a bill, it cannot become a law.
 What is an override?
Congress can ignore a Presidential veto if 2/3 or 67% of Congress passes the law.
 What is judicial review?
Judges can declare a law unconstitutional and stop laws that have already passed. This power is called
Judicial Review
7 Principles of the Constitution Notes
Judicial checks on ____________________________
How?
Legislative checks on _________________________
How?
Executive checks on __________________________
How?
Executive checks on __________________________
 What is Limited Government?
Limited Government means everybody has to follow the same laws, even members of the government.
If a Representative breaks a law or abuses his/her power, he/she would face a trial just like everybody
else.
 What are Individual Rights?
Individual Rights are personal liberties and privileges that people are born with and can not be taken
away.
 What is Federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which powers are shared by the national and state governments.
The states and national governments share powers and work together.
Complete the Venn Diagram:
Powers Reserved to the States
Powers Delegated to the National Government