I. Principles of the Constitution

A. Popular Sovereignty – ‘authority of the people’, the people hold the final

power in government

1. Indirect Rule due to above being controversial (rule by lawless mob?)

a. Representative Democracy people elect leaders to make decisions

b. Idea of direct democracy dies out…

2. Electoral College – originally elected Senate/Pres

300 Million Americans 535 Congress Members

are represented by:

B. Limited Government- govt that doesn’t have absolute authority

1. Biggest limit on govt is the Constitution (describes roles/responsibilities)

C. Federalism - sharing of power between different levels of govt (Nat’l / State)

1. Framers thought it would keep govt from abusing power

2. Division of Powers:

a. Delegated Powers are assigned to federal govt (post office, raise army)

b. Reserved Powers are saved, or set aside for states (education, marriage)

c. Concurrent Powers are shared by both (taxing, build roads)

3. Supremacy Clause – Article VI states it is supreme law of land

D. Separation of Powers

E. Checks & Balances

Will the branches become too powerful?

a. Separation of Powers – ideas taken from England’s Magna Carta (1215)

*Representative govt *3 branches of govt, 3 different jobs

*Checks & Balances system: each branch can override others

IV. Government in Action

A. Constitution is a ‘flexible’ document

1. Elastic Clause- govt. may create a law to carry out other laws

*Minimum wage laws

2. Commerce Clause- Congress will regulate commerce (between states/other

nations, etc.)

3. Judicial Review- power of Supreme Court, never given to court in document

4. Practice and Tradition

*Presidential Cabinet, political parties

B. The Role of the President (Article II)

1. Chief Executive- manage govt, carry out laws, get help from:

a. Bureaucracy- organization of govt workers

2. Chief of State- directs national diplomacy/treaties/exec. Agreements

3. Commander in Chief

4. Chief Legislator- influences the passage of laws by:

a. suggesting laws to Congress

b. President can use veto power to prevent passage of laws

C. The Role of Congress (Article I)

1. Structure of Congress: 2 Parts (House / Senate)

2. Representing voters – keep in touch with constituents

3. Lawmaking –see handout

a. Standing committees – specialize in subjects of bill

b. Conference committees – members from both houses

***90% of bills never make it out of the committees***

4. Investigating wrongdoing – Impeachment

D. The Role of the Courts

1. Structure of Courts – set up in Judiciary Act of 1789

a. 3 main levels

***Federal courts only hear cases involving national laws***

2. The appeal process

a. District – Court of Appeals – Supreme Court