Basic Principles of the Constitution

from old Ohio Test Prep

popular sovereignty

governmental authority is derived from the people. Under this principle, government governs with the

consent of the governed

limited government

holds that a government can only exercise the powers granted to it. Government must be conducted according to the rule of law

federalism

system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. Under the U.S. Constitution, this principle is reflected in the division of powers between the national government and the states.

separation of powers

distribution of powers among independent branches - each branch has a specific powers and responsibilities

checks and balances

system for controlling government power - branches of government have the ability to

restrain certain actions of other branches

Federalists

supporters of the stronger national government who advocated the ratification of the Constitution

Anti-Federalists

opponents of ratification of the Constitution who believed state governments should retain more power

judicial review

the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional