PSC 2302 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Precedent, Constitutionalism, English Law

• School: Baylor University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: PSC 2302
• Professor: Brenda Norton

Document Summary

A constitution: blueprint: a national framework providing basic principles of organization and operation. A: a symbol to which citizens defer and give allegiance (usually in preambles, more difficult to change (amend) than other laws, most constitutions are written in a single document. Several countries do not have a single written document that they call a constitution, they have multiple documents all together. The rule of law: a government limited in its power and accountable for its actions, constituti0on places a higher law above the policies of leaders or majorities, leaders must be held accountable to legal principles. Fundamental worth of each individual: rights and liberties accompany each individual, bill of rights, unalienable rights. 3 pillars of the us constitution: separation of powers. Power of judicial branch to review and, if necessary, invalidate legislation and executive action when inconsistent with the constitution ( to declare unconstitutional ) Not specifically mentioned in constitution: federalism.