Unit 1 Principles and Documents

Republicanism (Representative Democracy)

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

Popular Sovereignty (Consent of Governed)

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

Majority Rule

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

Federalism

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

Rule of Law

Everyone must obey the law, including government officials.

Limited Government

The government can only do the things that people give it the power to do. Government´s power is not unlimited.

Fundamental

Serving as a foundation or source or origin.

Principle

A basic truth or fundamental law

Democracy

A system of government where the people rule

Direct Democracy

Every citizen votes directly on every issue

Seperation of Powers

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

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to change or reject things that other branches do to stop them from getting too much power.