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Principles of the Constitution (US History EOC Review - USHC 1.5)
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Principles of the Constitution (US History EOC Review - USHC 1.5)

Principles of the Constitution

In this segment, we will look at US HC 1.5 which focuses on the principles of the Constitution. The first principle is limited government, and the Constitution limits the government in three ways: federalism, checks and balances, and separation of powers.

Limited Government

  • Constitutional government is a limited government.
  • The Constitution limits the government in three ways: federalism, checks and balances, and separation of powers.

Federalism

  • Federalism means that sovereignty is shared between the federal government and state governments.
  • There are three types of power: delegated powers given to the federal government by states; reserve powers kept by states and people; concurrent powers shared by both levels of government.

Separation of Powers

  • Separation of powers means that there are three branches of government: legislative (Congress), executive (President), judicial (judges).
  • Montesquieu influenced this idea to prevent one person or group from monopolizing power.

Checks and Balances

  • Checks and balances ensure that even these officials aren't sovereign in their own sphere.
  • Every federal judge has to be nominated by the President and approved.

Principles of the Constitution

The ambassador explains that the Constitution has checks and balances to prevent any one person or group from having absolute authority. The president negotiates treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate, which needs two-thirds majority to ratify it. The Constitution is about limited government but also having a government that can keep order.

  • Congress declares war, not the President.
  • Treaty ratification requires two-thirds majority in the Senate.
  • The Constitution is about limited government and maintaining order.

Washington's First Cabinet and Two-Party System

This section discusses Washington's first cabinet and how it led to the advent of the first two-party system in America. It also covers conflicts between Jefferson and Hamilton.

Washington's First Cabinet

  • Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State.
  • Alexander Hamilton was appointed as Secretary of Treasury.

Advent of Two-Party System

  • Conflicts between Jefferson and Hamilton led to the formation of political parties.
  • Federalists were led by Hamilton while Democratic Republicans were led by Jefferson.
Video description

http://www.tomrichey.net/eoc In this segment of the US History EOC Review series, Tom Richey gives a brief overview of the key principles of the United States Constitution (e.g., separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism) designed for students who are preparing for the US History EOC test. This lecture addresses USHC 1.5 in the South Carolina curriculum standards for US History and the Constitution.