Unit 1 principals and Documents

Federalism

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

Democracy

A system of government where the people rule

Separation of powers

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

Checks and Balance

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

Fundamental

Serving as a foundation or source or origin

Direct Democracy

Every citizen votes directly on every issue

Majority Rule

The government must do what the majority of people vote for

Rule of Law

Everyone must obey the law, including the government officials

Limited Government

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

Principle

A basic truth or fundamental law

Republicanism

A type of government where citizens are given the right to vote for and give power to representatives to address their needs

Popular sovereignty

The idea that all power in government comes from the people; the people give power and authority to the government