The Constitution works through six core principles:

Popular sovereignty: The people are the ultimate source of political power. Government exists only with the consent of the governed.

Separation of powers: Power is divided among three branches—legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws). No single branch holds all power.

Checks and balances: Each branch can limit the other branches. Congress can impeach the president, the president can veto laws, and courts can declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalism: Power is divided between national government and state governments. Some powers belong only to the federal government, some only to states, and some are shared.

Limited government: Government can only do what the Constitution specifically allows. Everything else is reserved for the people or states.

Individual rights: The Constitution (especially through amendments) protects fundamental freedoms that government cannot violate.

The Constitution works through six core principles:

Popular sovereignty: The people are the ultimate source of political power. Government exists only with the consent of the governed.

Separation of powers: Power is divided among three branches—legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws). No single branch holds all power.

Checks and balances: Each branch can limit the other branches. Congress can impeach the president, the president can veto laws, and courts can declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalism: Power is divided between national government and state governments. Some powers belong only to the federal government, some only to states, and some are shared.

Limited government: Government can only do what the Constitution specifically allows. Everything else is reserved for the people or states.

Individual rights: The Constitution (especially through amendments) protects fundamental freedoms that government cannot violate.