Chapter 3

Popular Sovereignty

the fundamental principle that the power to govern belongs to the people and that government must be based on the consent of the governed

Separation of Powers

the division of governments executive, legislative and judicial powers into three separate branches

Checks and Balances

a system in which political power is divided among the three branches of government with each having some control over the others

Limited Government

specifically lists the powers the national government does and does not have

Federalism

the division of governmental power, as expressed as in the U.S. constitution, between the national government and the states

The preamble

Identifies the goals of the American Government

The articles

(7) - reflects the basic principles of government

The bill of rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

Proposing amendments

1. 2/3 of congress proposes an amendment
2. constitutional convention called by 2/3 of the states

Ratifying amendments

1. 3/4 of the state legislature agrees
2. 3/4 of special state constitutional ratifying conventions

Legislative actions

Congress has the power to carry out specific powers granted to them by ways not specifically given to them in the Constitution

Executive actions

war, conflict

Judicial Interpretation

judicial review

changing customs

precedents