THE PRINCIPLES OF LIMITED GOVERNMENT

The Constitution was designed around specific principles to limit (or restrict) the power of government while

protecting both the rights of the people and ensuring the common good.

Rule of Law

Federalism

Checks and Balances

Majority Rule (Popular Sovereignty)

Protection of Minority Rights

The Constitution was designed around specific principles to limit (or restrict) the power of government while

protecting both the rights of the people and ensuring the common good.

Rule of Law

Federalism

Checks and Balances

Majority Rule (Popular Sovereignty)

Protection of Minority Rights

THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COMMON GOOD

PROJECT PURPOSE

– to specifically identify the principles of limited government in the United States Constitution

– to evaluate the effectiveness of the government under the Constitution in promoting the common good in the real world today

CONTENT REQUIREMENTS 75 Points

1. PRINCIPLES OF LIMITED GOVERNMENT Connection 25 pointsIdentify how at least three of the five principles are related to your assigned Article of the Constitution. This can be done with examples or clear connections to specific parts of your Article.

2. CURRENT EVENT Connection (2005-present) 25 pointsFind one (1) news story from a major news source (e.g., Newsweek, TIME, U.S. News & World Report, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, etc…) that relates to at least one aspect of your assigned Article. Summarize the news story (in at least 1/2 page) and explain how it illustrates something about your Article limiting the power of the government/promoting the common good.

3. WHAT IF? Component 25 pointsEvaluate the effectiveness of the Article(s) in promoting the common good in America. Include an analysis of the importance of the Article(s) to our society by imagining what the United States might be like IF the Article(s) were different/absent from the Constitution. Use real, specific examples to illustrate your Article’s significance in promoting the common good in American society.

FORMAT & PRESENTATION 25 Points

– Groups choose the format for the presentation of their projects. Some suggestions: news broadcast with deatailed written script (live or recorded), information booklet or brochure* , cartoon strips/comic book*, poster, song*,skit with detailed written script, television advertisement/PSA*, or a Keynote/PowerPoint presentation (* MUST INCLUDE SEPARATE written news story summary)

An Analysis of Limited Government

THE CONSTITUTION AND THE COMMON GOOD

Use any of the following links for your project’s CURRENT EVENT Connection:

CNNFox NewsMSNBC

ABC

New York TimesWall Street JournalWashington PostChicago Tribune

TIME MagazineNewsweek

National ReviewU.S. News & World Report

An Analysis of Limited Government