The United States Constitution was based on seven fundamental principles established by the Framers: popular sovereignty, where the government's authority comes from the people; republicanism, establishing a representative democracy where voters elect representatives; federalism, creating a partnership between strong central and state governments; separation of powers that divides government among branches; checks and balances allowing each branch to limit the others' power; limited government that restricts governmental power; and individual rights protecting citizens from an overly powerful government through guarantees like the Bill of Rights.

1. United States Constitution
• The Framers of the
Constitution constructed a
new system of
government based on
seven fundamental
principles.

2. Popular Sovereignty
• Government’s
authority comes from
the people
• Government reflects
the people’s will

3. Popular Sovereignty
• Expressed by John Locke
and Jean-Jacques
Rousseau.
• The Framers were deeply
influenced by these ideas.

4. Republicanism
• Representative democracy
• People elect
representatives to make
laws and exercise the
power of government.

5. Republicanism
• Voters were capable of
making good choices in
selecting leaders

6. Federalism
• The Framers wanted the
states and the nation to
become partners in
governing.
• Requires both a strong
central government and
vigorous local
governments (such as
states).

7. Separation of Powers
• Concerned that too much
power might fall into the
hands of a single group.
• Played branches of
government against one
another to create a
separation of powers.

8. Checks and Balances
• The Framers included a
system of checks and
balances in the
Constitution to help make
sure that the branches
work together fairly.

9. Checks and Balances
• Each branch of
government can exercise
checks, or controls, over
the other branches
(limiting the power of
government).
• James Madison described
this principle as a method
of “keeping each other in
their proper places.”

10. Limited Government
• Restricts the power of
government
• Closely related to the “rule
of law” –citizens and
powerful leaders alike,
must obey the law.

11. Limited Government
• Individuals or groups
cannot twist or bypass the
law to serve their own
interests.

12. Individual Rights
• The Bill of Rights,
guarantees certain
individual rights, or
personal liberties and
privileges.
• Shield people from an
overly powerful
government.