US Government and Constitution

Front

Popular Sovereignty

Back

The belief that government is subject to the will of the people.

Front

Republican Form of Government

Back

A republic is a government in which the people rule through elected representatives.

Front

Limited Government

Back

Government with limited powers strictly defined by law.

Front

Enumerated Power

Back

Power specifically given to Congress in the Constitution.

Front

Reserved Power

Back

Power belonging only to the states.

Front

Concurrent Power

Back

Power shared by the states and federal government.

Front

Supremacy Clause

Back

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. If a state law contradicts the Constitution or federal law, the Constitution or federal law prevails.

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

A principle by which powers are divided among different branches of government to ensure no one branch has too much power.

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

A system where each branch of government can check, or limit, the power of the other branches to maintain a balance of power.

Front

Individual Rights

Back

Basic freedoms and liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms.