Isabella Carter
The seven principles of the US Constitution form the foundation of the country's governmental structure. These principles were designed to protect individual rights and liberties while also establishing a strong central government capable of acting in the nation's best interests. The seven principles include federalism, limited government, popular sovereignty, republicanism, checks and balances, and the separation of powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has specific responsibilities and powers, including overseeing the other branches to ensure a balance of power and prevent abuse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power is given by the people | Citizens have basic rights, freedoms, and liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. |
| Separation of powers | The three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) are separate and have their own responsibilities, including overseeing the other branches. |
| Checks and balances | The system of checks and balances ensures that no one group of people becomes too powerful. |
| Federalism | Power is divided between state and federal governments. |
| Limited government | The government can only perform actions permitted by the Constitution. |
| Popular sovereignty | The government is made by the people and exists to represent, protect, and serve them. |
| Republicanism | A system of government based on popular sovereignty and put into practice by the constitutional institutions and processes of representative government. |
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Separation of Powers
The principle of separation of powers is a key tenet of the US Constitution, which divides governmental power into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has distinct and independent powers and responsibilities, with a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, and consists of Congress, with the power vested in the Federal Government. The executive branch enforces the laws and includes the President, with the power vested in them. The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court and any lower courts created by Congress, interprets the laws. Each branch has its own authority, but also depends on the authority of the others for the government to function effectively. This separation of powers ensures that government leaders are not above the law and that their powers are limited by it.
The system of checks and balances is integral to the separation of powers. Each branch oversees the others and has the ability to "'check'" that they are functioning within their given powers. For example, in Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court established a precedent for judicial review, asserting its power to strike down laws deemed unconstitutional. Similarly, in Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Chadha, the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of legislative procedures, reinforcing the separation of powers.
The separation of powers also applies to the states, with some southern states like Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia explicitly requiring a separation of powers. However, in the 18th century, some states did not strictly adhere to this principle. For instance, in New Jersey, the governor also functioned as a member of the state's highest court and the legislature.
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Checks and Balances
One of the seven principles of the US Constitution is "checks and balances". This principle is designed to ensure that governmental power is balanced between three branches: the legislative, which makes the laws; the executive, which enforces the laws; and the judicial, which interprets the laws.
Each of these branches has its own responsibilities and powers, but also has the ability to "check" on the other two branches to ensure that they are functioning within their given powers and that responsibilities are balanced. This system of checks and balances prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and protects against the abuse of power by any individual or group.
The framers of the Constitution wanted to prevent the tyranny that they had experienced under the British monarchy, so they established a government where power originates with the people. Citizens can exercise their power by voting for representatives, such as Congress, the President, and Vice President, and some judges. These elected representatives are responsible to the citizens and must govern according to the law.
The Constitution and national law bind national leaders, and citizens' basic rights, freedoms, and liberties are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. No laws can be passed to take away these rights, as stated in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
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Federalism
The Framers of the Constitution, when they convened in Philadelphia in 1787, faced the challenge of governing a large and diverse nation. Federalism was their solution to managing the diverse interests, needs, and problems arising from the country's vast geographical expanse.
Under Federalism, each level of government exercises unique powers. For example, the national government holds powers such as declaring war, making treaties, and regulating interstate trade. At the same time, states retain significant authority under the Articles of Confederation. Certain powers, like taxation, are concurrent, allowing both national and state governments to act.
The Tenth Amendment of the Bill of Rights is a crucial safeguard for federalism. It ensures that any powers not specifically granted to the national government are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment has been interpreted differently over time, with varying levels of restriction on Congress's power.
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Popular Sovereignty
The framers of the Constitution believed that power originates with the citizens, who can exercise that power to make decisions that affect their own and other Americans' lives. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the issues and vote. This form of government is one where people vote for representatives, such as Congress, the President, Vice President, and some judges.
The framers wanted the people to have a voice in the government, but they also wanted to ensure that public opinion did not interfere with good governance. As such, these elected representatives are responsible to the citizens and must govern according to the law.
The principle of popular sovereignty is also reflected in the Bill of Rights, which guarantees citizens' basic rights, freedoms, and liberties. According to the Declaration of Independence, "all men are created equal" and endowed with certain "unalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
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Republicanism
The framers of the US Constitution believed that power originates with the citizens, who can exercise that power to make decisions affecting their lives and those of other Americans. Citizens are expected to stay informed on issues and vote, electing representatives such as Congress members, the President, Vice President, and some judges. These representatives are responsible to the citizens and must govern according to the law.
The principle of Republicanism is reflected in the structure of the US government, with its three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This separation of powers ensures that no individual or group can abuse their power. Each branch has specific responsibilities and oversees the others, creating a system of checks and balances.
The US Constitution thus binds national leaders to the Constitution and national law, guaranteeing citizens' basic rights, freedoms, and liberties. These rights, outlined in the Bill of Rights, cannot be taken away by any law. This principle of citizens' rights was also stated in the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
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