The origanal Constitution had three principles that we still live by today. The first principle is the Separation of Powers. Which means that the poweres are separated between the Judicial, Executive, and Legistlative Branches. The next principle is that of Checks and Balances. That means that one branch of government watches over the other branches to make sure one does not get too powerful. The third principle is the Shared Powers. Which means that the government has to share powers with the states. These are the three principles of the Constitution.