The U.S. Constitution is built on six fundamental principles that guide the structure and function of the government. These principles ensure a balance of power and protect the rights of citizens. Here are the six principles:
- Popular Sovereignty: This principle states that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. The power lies with the people.
- Limited Government: The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it. This principle ensures that the government cannot become too powerful and infringe on individual rights.
- Separation of Powers: The government is divided into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with distinct responsibilities. This separation prevents any one branch from gaining too much power.
- Checks and Balances: Each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches. This system ensures that no single branch can dominate the government.
- Judicial Review: The judiciary has the power to interpret the Constitution and can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. This principle ensures that laws align with the Constitution.
- Federalism: Power is divided between the national government and the state governments. This division allows for a balance of power and ensures that states have the authority to govern themselves in certain areas.
These principles work together to create a government that is both powerful enough to govern effectively and limited enough to protect individual freedoms.