Unit 1 Civics Vocabulary

Unit one of Civics and economics RBM

Rule of Law

Everyone must obey the law, including government officials.

Democracy

A system of government where the people rule.

Popular Sovereignty (consent of the government)

All power in government come from the permission of the people; the people give the power and authority to the government, in return for the protection of their rights.

Fundamental

Serving as a foundation of source or origin ( Something everything is built from )

Limited government

The government can only do the things that people give it the power to do. Government’s power is not unlimited!

Federalism

A system of government here power is divided between the central government and the states.

Separation of powers

Dividing governments into branches with different powers so that no one branch becomes too powerful

Principle

A basic truth or fundamental law

Majority Rule

Our government must do that the majority of people vote for

Republicanism

Type of government here the citizens are given the right to vote for and give power to representatives.

Custom

Rules of Behavior

Precedent

Decisions made in the past that are used to guide present and future decisions

Constitution

A basic set of principles, laws, and rules for a country or group