Basic principles of American Government by Ava

AP

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that government power comes from the people.

Limited Government

The principle that the government is restricted by laws and the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

Each branch has powers to limit the others, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine if laws and actions are constitutional (Marbury v. Madison, 1803).

Rule of Law

The idea that laws apply equally to all individuals, including government officials.

Representative Democracy (Republicanism)

A system where people elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

The principle that while the majority makes decisions, minority rights are protected.

Individual Rights

Rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights

Barron v. Baltimore

Ruled that the Bill of Rights only applied to the federal government, not states.

Pluralism

A system where multiple groups compete for influence in government, preventing domination by one group.

Elitism vs. Participatory Democracy

The debate over whether policy is controlled by a small elite or broadly by citizen participation.