Chapter 3.1 Key Terms

Section 1: A Blueprint for Government

Popular Sovereignty

the idea that government is created by and subject to the will of the people

Limited Government

the principle that the powers and functions of government are restricted by the U.S. Constitution and other laws

Rule of Law

principle that every member of a society, including the ruler or government, must follow the law

Separation of Powers

division of government powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Checks and Balances

a system in which each branch of government is able to limit the power of the other branches

veto

a refusal by the president or a governor to sign a bill

Judicial Review

the power to determine whether the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government are unconstitutional

Unconstitutional

any law or government action that is found to violate a part of the Constitution

Federalism

the rights of the states are protected by dividing powers between the national government and the states governments

Supremacy clause

a clause of the U.S. Constitution that declares the Constitution “the supreme law of the land”