What were they?
To be specific, there were 7: Popular Sovereignty, Republicanism, Limited Government, Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Individual Rights. The principles were the Framers' solution to the conflicts we're faced with when following a representative government.
Popular Sovereignty:
The Declaration of Independence states that the government receives its power from the "consent of the governed" or "authority of the people". Meaning, the government can't make any choices without consent from the people of the nation.
Republicanism:
It's a system of limited government where where the people are the strongest source of governmental power. Under republicanism, voters are a dominant or sovereign power. Representatives are elected by the people, and given the responsibilities to conduct government and create laws.
Limited Government:
The Framers agreed that a strong central government was required, but tyranny was feared. They feared and wanted to prevent the nation's government from giving a certain group special advantages and taking away the rights from the from another. People granted the powers in a limited government, so it was decided that that was the better decision.
Federalism:
A strong national/central government, which gives some power to the states. Look at our 'Federalism' link to learn more!
Separation of Powers:
In order to prevent one group in the government from gaining too much power, the Framers decided to divide our government into 3 separate branches. These were executive, legislative, and judicial. Look at our 'Three Branches of Government' link to learn more!
Checks and Balances:
Each branch has the ability to check on each other and balance out their powers to prevent one from overpowering the other. Look at our 'Checks and Balances' to learn more!
Individual Rights:
In 1791, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. The first 10 amendments gave citizens of the nation basic and unalienable rights and liberties. In total, there are 17 amendments, including those that abolish slavery.
To be specific, there were 7: Popular Sovereignty, Republicanism, Limited Government, Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Individual Rights. The principles were the Framers' solution to the conflicts we're faced with when following a representative government.
Popular Sovereignty:
The Declaration of Independence states that the government receives its power from the "consent of the governed" or "authority of the people". Meaning, the government can't make any choices without consent from the people of the nation.
Republicanism:
It's a system of limited government where where the people are the strongest source of governmental power. Under republicanism, voters are a dominant or sovereign power. Representatives are elected by the people, and given the responsibilities to conduct government and create laws.
Limited Government:
The Framers agreed that a strong central government was required, but tyranny was feared. They feared and wanted to prevent the nation's government from giving a certain group special advantages and taking away the rights from the from another. People granted the powers in a limited government, so it was decided that that was the better decision.
Federalism:
A strong national/central government, which gives some power to the states. Look at our 'Federalism' link to learn more!
Separation of Powers:
In order to prevent one group in the government from gaining too much power, the Framers decided to divide our government into 3 separate branches. These were executive, legislative, and judicial. Look at our 'Three Branches of Government' link to learn more!
Checks and Balances:
Each branch has the ability to check on each other and balance out their powers to prevent one from overpowering the other. Look at our 'Checks and Balances' to learn more!
Individual Rights:
In 1791, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. The first 10 amendments gave citizens of the nation basic and unalienable rights and liberties. In total, there are 17 amendments, including those that abolish slavery.