Principles of the Constitution:

 

Federalism: shared power between states and national government

 

    Delegated Powers (national)

    Reserved Powers (state)

    Concurrent Powers (both)

 

Limited Government: powers are limited in a variety of ways

 

Popular Sovereignty: powers rests with the people

 

Checks and Balances: branches can check the power of the other branches

 

Separation of Powers: each branch is independent of the other two...

 

Flexibility of the Constitution:

 

    The elastic clause: (necessary and proper clause)

 

    Loose vs. Strict Interpretation

 

    Amendment Process:

 

    Proposal:

         2/3rds vote of Congress or

         2/3rds of states call for convention

 

    Ratification:

         3/4ths of state legislatures

         Conventions called by 3/4ths of state

 

    Unwritten Constitution: practices and

         traditions not specifically in the

         Constitution such as:

 

             a. Judicial Review

             b. Committee System in Congress

             c. Presidential Cabinet

             d. Political Parties

             e. Pledges by Electors on votes