The Constitutional Kite
The Sail
Representative
Government
The String
People Power
The people control the government and can lead it anywhere they want.
The Tail
Each “bowtie” helpsmaintain a strong“sail” and it is SUPERimportant in theactual flying of thekite.
What happens to a kite with no tail?
IT WON’T FLY
The 7 Constitutional Principles
The “Bowties”
Republicanism
• A government where the citizens elect officials to represent their beliefs.
• EXAMPLE: Electing a President
Popular Sovereignty
• Political authority belongs to the people.
• Popular=People• Sovereignty=Pow
er
Limited Government
• All leaders have to obey the law, makes sure the government cannot become too strong.
• Example-the government cannot tell people where to live.
Sorry, you have to
live here.But, I don’t want to!
Separation of Powers
• The division of government to prevent one of the branches from becoming too powerful. Each branch has its own job.
Legislative Executive Judicial
Checks and Balances
• Each of the branches can check the others to keep one branch from becoming more powerful than the others.
Individual Rights
• Personal liberties (rights) guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the Bill of Rights.
Federalism
• Shared powers between…
GOVERNMENTS!
State
AND National
Key Idea
=
• The principles of government make the U.S. Constitution work, just like the tail makes the kite fly!!