1. Influence of the U.S. Constitution
on World Political Systems
Consider the influence of the U.S.
Constitution on political systems
in the contemporary world.

2. The U.S. Constitution has
influenced many political
systems throughout the world.

3. Federalism
Definition: The national government and
state governments share power.
The U.S. Constitution: powers are shared
between national government and the 50
state governments.
Influence: South Africa. Power is shared
between the national government and nine
provinces.

4. Separation of Powers
Definition: government roles are divided among
different branches, with no one branch holding
all the power.
U.S. Constitution: three branches of government
legislative (congress), executive (the president),
and judicial (the courts)
Influence: South Korea has three branches of
government—parliament, a court system, and a
president.

5. Popular Sovereignty
Definition: the government gets its authority
from the people and reflects their will.
U.S. constitution: the preamble says, “We
the people of the United States…do ordain
and establish this constitution…”
Influence: The Japanese Constitution begins
by saying that the governments power
comes from the people and shall be used
by them for their own benefit.

6. Individual Rights
Definition: Liberties and Privileges are
guaranteed to each citizen.
U.S. Constitution: The Bill of Rights
guarantees freedom of speech, religion,
the press, and other rights.
Influence: The United Nations Declaration of
Human Rights says that “all human beings
are born free and equal” and should have
certain rights.

7. Individual Rights
Definition: Liberties and Privileges are
guaranteed to each citizen.
U.S. Constitution: The Bill of Rights
guarantees freedom of speech, religion,
the press, and other rights.
Influence: The United Nations Declaration of
Human Rights says that “all human beings
are born free and equal” and should have
certain rights.