Principles of U.S. Government

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federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states. It enables multiple levels of government to coexist and share authority over the same geographic area.

popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through elected representatives. It emphasizes that the power ultimately resides with the people.

separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches, typically the executive, legislative, and judicial, to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. This system is designed to provide a system of checks and balances.

judicial review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution. This principle ensures that legislative and executive actions are subject to legal scrutiny.

checks and balances

The system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with powers to limit the actions of the others. This principle promotes accountability and the prevention of abuse of power.

limited government

The principle that government powers are restricted by law, typically through a constitution, to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny. This ensures that government authority is constrained and that citizens retain their liberties.

Federalism - states’ rights

refers to the distribution of power between national and state governments, allowing states to exercise certain rights and responsibilities within their own jurisdictions while adhering to the authority of the federal government.

Federalism - nationalist

refers to the belief in a strong central government that holds authority over states, emphasizing the supremacy of national laws and interests over state laws, which promotes unity and coherence in governance.

Federalism has three major effects on public policy in the U.S.:

1) determining whether the local, state, or national government originates policy

2) affecting how policies are made

3) ensuring policy-making functions under a set of limitations

How does federalism influence the political balance of power in the US?

• making it difficult (if not impossible) for a single political party to seize total control

• ensuring that individuals can participate in the political system at various levels

• making it possible for individuals working within the system to be able to affect policy at some level, whether local or more widespread.

Powers delegated to the national government by the Constitution are:

• expressed powers: powers directly defined in the constitution, including power to declare war, regulate commerce, make money, and collect taxes.

• implied powers: powers the national government must have in order to carry out the expresesed powers.

• inherent powers: powers essential to the national government, not explicitly listed in the Constitution, such as controlling immigration and acquiring territory.

Legislative Branch

The part of the U.S. government responsible for making laws, consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

• all elected

• responsible for representing the interests of citizens, creating legislation, and overseeing the federal budget.

• can propose amendments to the constitution and can impeach the president.

• only Congress can declare war

Executive Branch

The part of the U.S. government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the President. It includes the Vice President, the Cabinet, and various federal agencies, tasked with implementing and administering federal policies.

• carries out laws, treaties, and war declarations enacted by Congress.

• President appoints cabinet members, ambassadors to foreign countries, and federal judges.

Judicial Branch

The part of the U.S. government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. It consists of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, which resolve legal disputes and ensure laws comply with the Constitution.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the U.S. judiciary, consisting of nine justices who have the final say on legal interpretations and the constitutionality of laws.

Civil liberties vs. Civil rights

Civil liberties refer to the fundamental freedoms and protections from government interference, such as freedom of speech and religion. Civil rights involve the guarantees of equal treatment and the elimination of discrimination under the law.