The document outlines the key principles and structure of the US Constitution. It begins with an overview of the Preamble and 3 branches of government established in the 7 original Articles. It then discusses the first 10 Amendments known as the Bill of Rights. The document examines the principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, and federalism that are fundamental to the Constitution's design.

1. Principles of the Constitution

3. Establish justice

4. Insure domestic tranquility (peace)

5. Provide for the common defense

6. Promote the general welfare

10. Which branch seems like it has most power? Article 1 - The Legislative Branch Section 1 - The Legislature Section 2 - The House Section 3 - The Senate Section 4 - Elections, Meetings Section 5 – Legislative Proceedings Section 6 - Compensation Section 7 - Revenue Bills, Veto Section 8 - Powers of Congress Section 9 - Limits on Congress Section 10 - Powers Prohibited of States Article 2 - The Executive Branch Section 1 - The President Section 2 - President’s Powers and Duties Section 3 - State of the Union Section 4 - Impeachment Article 3 - The Judicial Branch Section 1 - Judicial Powers Section 2 - Trial by Jury Section 3 - Treason Article 4 - Relations Among States Section 1 - Each State to Honor All Others Section 2 - State Citizens, Extradition Section 3 - New States Section 4 - Republican Government Article 5 - Provisions for Amendment Article 6 - Debts, Supremacy, Oaths Article 7 - Ratification Congress has more power because 1) it has more members, and 2) they are most directly responsible for representing your views. Bill of Rights: Protection of individual rights Amendments: Formal changes to the Constitution

11. Basic Principles Popular Sovereignty Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Limited Government Federalism

12. Popular Sovereignty Power to govern belongs to the people. Government must be based on the consent of the governed. Expanded by amendments 15, 19, and 26 (gave the right to vote to non-whites, women, and 18 year olds).

13. Separation of Powers Division of government’s powers into three separate branches. President – execute / administer laws. Congress - make laws. Courts – interpret / apply laws.

14. Checks and Balances Each branch of government has some control over the others. Example: Congress passes laws, but the President may veto those laws. In turn, Congress may refuse to provide funds the President requests for implementing programs.

15. Limited Government Guarantees that government does not hold all the power, and that it does only those things that people allow it to do. Examples: Presidents can be impeached, representatives voted out of office, judges denied confirmation by the Senate.

16. Federalism Division of governmental power between the national government and the states. federal powers only: expressed powers state powers only: reserved powers both federal and state: concurrent powers