Unit 1: Principles and Documents

Separation of Powers

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

Rule of Law

Everyone must obey the law, including government officials.

Popular Sovereignty (Consent of the Governed )

All power in government comes from the permission of the people; the people give power and authority to the government, in return for poretection of their rights

Federalism

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

Majority Rule

The government must do what the majority of people vote for.

Republicanism ( Representative Democracy)

A government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions, laws, and run the government for them (on their behalf)

Principle

a basic truth or fundamental law.

Fundamental

Serving as a foundation or source of origin; everything is built from this.

Limited Government

The government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it to power.

Democracy

A democracy is a system of government where the people rule.

Republicanism

A type of government where citizens have the right to vote for and give power to representative to address their needs.

Popular Sovereignty

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