Principles of the Constitution

Front

Rule by the people; government's authority comes from the consent of the people

Back

popular sovereignty

Front

power is divided between the national and state governments

Back

federalism

Front

Each of the three branches of government has its own responsibilities

Back

separation of powers

Front

each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches

Back

checks and balances

Front

the power of federal courts to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments invalid if they violate the Constitution

Back

judicial review

Front

Constitution limits the actions of the government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have

Back

limited government

Front

A two-thirds vote in each House of Congress is needed to override a president's veto.

Back

checks and balances

Front

This practice was established in Marbury v. Madison. (1803)

Back

judicial review

Front

"Congress shall make no law. . ." (this part of the Constitution is telling Congress what they cannot do)

Back

limited government

Front

speed limits differ from state to state

Back

federalism