The Constitution

The Supreme Law of the Land

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• #1: Popular Sovereignty – The people are all Powerful

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• #2: Limited Government – Govt. has only that authority people have given it.

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• #3: Separation of Powers – 3 Branches– Executive – Enforces Law– Judicial – Interprets Law– Legislative – Makes Law

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• #4: Checks and Balances – Constitution keeps one branch from becoming too powerful.

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• Checks and Balances– President can veto laws

• (Ex check on Leg)

– Legislature can override President • (Leg check on Ex)

– President appoints Supreme Court Members • (Ex check on Jud)

– Legislature approves Justices • (Leg check on Jud)

– Supreme Court declares law unconstitutional • (Jud check on Leg)

– Supreme Court declares Ex. Actions illegal • (Jud check on Ex)

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• #5: Judicial Review – The power to decide if actions of the government are constitutional.– Established by S.C.C. Marbury vs Madison

Unconstitutional – Not allowed by the constitution…..Illegal.

6 Basic Principles the Constitution is Built On

• #6: Federalism – means power is shared between the federal and state govt. – Note: nothing can conflict with the constitution. It

is the SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND.