unit 1 principles and documents

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to change or reject things that other branches do to stop them from getting too much power

Direct Democracy

Every citizen votes directly on every issue

Republicanism (Representative Democracy)

A government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions, laws, and run the government for them ( on their behalf)

Democracy

A system of government where the people rule

Separation of powers

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

Limited government

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

Rule of law

Everyone must obey the law, including government officials

principle

A basic truth of fundamental law

Majority rule

The government must do what the majority of people vote for

fundamental

serving a foundation or source or origin

popular soverereignty

Popular sovereignty is the idea that all power in government comes from the people; the people give power and authority to the government

Federalism

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