Constitutionalism

Liberty Protection

Concern with protecting individual freedoms by limiting government actions.

Grants of Power

Specifies the powers granted to certain aspects of government.

Limiting Government

Defines what government can do, particularly limiting Congress's authority.

Denial of Power

Outlines what government is prohibited from doing.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws that cannot criminalize actions that were legal before the law was enacted.

Separation of Power

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuse of power.

Judicial Review

The authority of courts to declare actions of other branches unconstitutional.

Exceeded Authority

The ability of courts to review the actions of states as well.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual liberties.

Sovereignty of the People

The principle that citizens have the right to choose their leaders through elections.

Federalism

A system of government based on enumerated powers, dividing authority between national and state governments.