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6 Principles Essay
In the constitution, John locks ideas such as the six principles of government are used throughout the document. Three of these principles are popular sovereignty, checks and balances, and separation of powers. These principles are affiliated with processes of election, impeachment and succession of the president.
When we look at the election process we can see the principle of popular sovereignty. First, the parties choose who they want to represent them in the Electoral College. No one dictates who serves on this board, the party has the say. Next, the people vote for the candidate or party they want to win. Each individual person has one vote and it is their choice for whom they cast it. Lastly, the representatives that the people choose go and vote for the party they represent, although they have the option to vote for the opposing party.
Within the presidential succession we can see the principle of separation of power. For example, when the President dies and the vice president assumes the presidency, that leaves a vacancy for the vice president. The 25th amendment requires that this vacancy be filled by the president but confirmed by the congress. In addition, the chief justice of the United States is not in the line of succession because of concerns over the separation of powers. This was a concern because he was a part of the judicial branch. Furthermore, when someone is sworn into presidency, they are no longer part of congress. It’s an automatic resignation because they cannot have power in the white house and in congress. Separation of powers is evident in presidential succession.
The concept of checks and balances is clearly displayed in presidential impeachment. For instance, when President Bill Clinton was impeached, it was done on the charges of obstruction of justice and perjury. Because the House of representative has that