chapter 3

popular sovereignty

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

limited government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

constitutionalism

Basic principle that government and those who govern must obey the law; the rule of law

separation of powers

Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law

checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

judicial review

review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act.

federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

amendment

A change in, or addition to, a constitution or law

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

information amendment

the process by which many changes have been made in the Constituion that have not led to changes in the document's written word

executive agreement

a pact made the President directly with the head of a foreign state