Seven Principles of the United States Constitution
1. Popular Sovereignty – The people hold all the power in our government.
2. Republicanism – Citizens can vote when they turn 18.
3. Limited Government – Government only has the powers given in the Constitution.
4. Federalism – National government (DC) in responsible for military and states marriage.
5. Separation of Powers – Government divided into legislative, executive & judicial branches.
6. Checks and Balance – Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional.
7. Individual Rights – First 10 amendments to the Constitution (Bill of Rights).
Three Branches of Government
Legislative Branch makes laws.
Congress = Senate (each state has two) and House (based on population) Senator’s term is six year. House’s term is two years. Illinois’s senators Dick Durbin & Mark Kirk Congress checks President with impeachment. The Speaker of the House is 2nd in line to become President after the Vice President.
Executive Branch enforces laws.
President must be 35 years old and be a natural born citizen. He can serve two terms. President can check Congress with veto. President appoints people to the Supreme Court. The President can “pardon” a person convicted of a crime. State of the Union Address – President wears CEO Hat.
Judicial Branch interprets laws.
Supreme Court – Serves for life. Nine total members. Supreme Court checks Congress and President by declaring laws unconstitutional.
Bill of Rights
1st Amendment – Speech, Religion, Press, Petition and Assembly.
3rd Amendment – Quartering soldiers in people’s homes at time of peace.
4th Amendment – Search & Seizure of property.
5th Amendment – You can’t be forced to give witness to yourself in court.
6th Amendment – The right to a speedy, jury trial.
Other Important Amendments – Amendments meet changing needs of Constitution.
13th Amendment – Slavery is abolished
19th Amendment – Women get the right to vote
22nd Amendment – President limited to two terms
Preamble
Intro to Constitution – We the People
Contract between people and government
Electoral College – 270 to Win
States’ number = to number in Congress