Background Essay Graphic Organizer: “A Glorious Liberty Document”: The U.S. Constitution and Its Principles
Background Essay Graphic Organizer
Guiding Question: How are republican principles of limited government, separation of powers, and checks and balances reflected in the U.S. Constitution?
- I can identify the ways the Founders tried to limit the power of the government.
- I can explain how the principles of government in the Constitution limit the power of the government.
- I can explain how the Constitution protects liberty.
Directions: As you read, explain each of the principles reflected in the U.S. Constitution in your own words. The first has been done for you as an example.
- Limited Government – Government power has to be limited to prevent humans from abusing power through government.
- Popular Sovereignty
- Republican Government
- Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances
- Federalism
Concluding Analysis
- How does the Constitution and the principles reflected in it affect your daily life? Explain your answer.
- In 1852, Frederick Douglass called the U.S. Constitution “a glorious liberty document.” Do you think this was an appropriate description? Why or why not?
