Unit 2 · Slides 8–10

🏛️ Seven Constitutional Principles

The Constitution is built on seven core principles. You'll need to match each principle to its definition.

Quick Summary

The U.S. Constitution (ratified 1788) created a national government strong enough to function but limited enough to protect liberty. It does this through seven big ideas that work together. Expect to match the principle to a real-life scenario.

How the Principles Work Together

•Popular Sovereignty + Republicanism = the people rule, but through elected representatives.
•Separation of Powers + Checks and Balances = no single branch can dominate.
•Federalism = power is split between national and state governments.
•Limited Government + Individual Rights = even the majority cannot take away basic freedoms.

Famous Examples

•Popular Sovereignty: 'We the People' — the first three words of the Constitution.
•Checks and Balances: President vetoes a bill → Congress overrides with 2/3 vote.
•Federalism: Federal government runs the military; states run public schools.
•Individual Rights: The Bill of Rights guarantees free speech, religion, and a fair trial.

Key Facts

Principle	Definition
Popular Sovereignty	Government power comes FROM the people. Citizens give the government its authority.
Limited Government	Government has only the powers the Constitution gives it. No one is above the law.
Separation of Powers	Power is split among Legislative (makes), Executive (enforces), Judicial (interprets) branches.
Checks and Balances	Each branch can limit the others so no branch becomes too powerful.
Federalism	Power is shared between the national government and state governments.
Republicanism	Citizens elect representatives to make laws on their behalf.
Individual Rights	The Constitution (especially the Bill of Rights) protects personal freedoms from government interference.

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Review Game

Scenario Identification

Question 1 of 5Score: 0

Scenario

A city in Texas has different gun laws than a city in New York.