What are the remaining basic principles upon which the constitution is built?

History · High School · Wed Jan 13 2021

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The United States Constitution is built upon several fundamental principles that continue to shape the framework of the U.S. government. Some of the key remaining basic principles include:


  1. Popular Sovereignty: The authority of the government is derived from the people. The Constitution begins with the words "We the People," emphasizing that the government's power comes from the consent of the governed.
  2. Limited Government: The Constitution establishes a system of limited government, wherein the powers of the government are specified and restricted. The idea is to prevent the government from overstepping its authority and infringing on individual rights.
  3. Separation of Powers: The Constitution divides the federal government into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—with distinct powers and responsibilities. This separation is designed to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch.
  4. Checks and Balances: Each branch of government has the ability to check the powers of the other branches, ensuring a system of mutual accountability. This helps prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
  5. Federalism: The Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with powers divided between the national government and the state governments. This balance allows for both a strong central authority and the protection of states' rights.
  6. Representative Democracy: The United States operates as a representative democracy, where elected officials represent the interests and viewpoints of the citizens. This form of government contrasts with a direct democracy, where citizens would make decisions directly.
  7. Individual Rights: The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees fundamental rights and liberties to individuals. These include freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial, among others.
  8. Rule of Law: The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to and accountable under the law. No one is above the law, and individuals and government actions are guided by legal principles.



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