U1 Principles and Documents

Majority Rule

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

Principle

A basic truth or fundamental law.

Rule of law

Everyone must obey the law, including government officials.

Direct Democracy

Every citizen votes directly on every issue.

Democracy

A system of government where the people rule.

Federalism

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

Separation of powers

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

Fundamental

Serving as a foundation or source or origin.

Limited government

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

Republicanism

a type of government where citizens are given the right to vote for and give power to representatives to address their needs.

Popular sovereignty

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

Checks and balances

Each branch is able to check the power of the other branches in order to maintain a balance of power in government.