Criminal law

Popular Sovereignty

The people rule; government gets its power from the consent of the governed.

Separation of Powers

Divides government into three branches — Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), Judicial (interprets laws).

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent abuse of power.

Federalism

Power is divided between national and state governments; the federal government is supreme.

Republicanism

People elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf (representative democracy).

Limited Government

The government has restricted power and must obey the law; it can’t control every part of people’s lives.

Individual Rights

Basic freedoms and liberties that people are born with and cannot be taken away.