Fundamental Principles and Checks and Balances

Separation of Powers

Dividing powers of government to 3 branches to prevent too much power in 1 place or person

Checks and Balances

Power of each of the 3 branches of government to limit the power of other branches

Limited government

Things the government isn’t permitted to do

Federalism

Power of government is divided between the national government and state government

Popular Sovereignty

The ultimate authority to govern comes from the people. Consent of the governed

Judicial Review

Power of the Supreme Court to rule laws/actions of other branches unconstitutional

Expressed or enumerated powers

Authority specifically granted to a branch of the government in the constitution

Necessary and proper or elastic clause

Language in Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution granting Congress the powers necessary to carry out its enumerated powers

Implied powers

Authority of the federal government that goes beyond its expressed powers

Writ of habeas corpus

The right of people detained by the government to know the charges against them

Bills of attainder

When the legislature declares someone guilty without a trial

Ex post facto laws

Laws punishing people for acts that were not crimes at the time they were committed