Key Concepts in Government and Law

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Checks and Balances

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A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with powers to check the others.

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Due Process

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Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment.

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Federalism

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A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

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Independent Judiciary

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A judiciary that is independent from the other branches of government, ensuring fair and unbiased administration of justice.

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Judicial Review

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The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution.

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Loose Construction

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A broad interpretation of a statute or document by a court.

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Republican Government

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A political system in which the country is considered a "public matter" and is not the private concern or property of the rulers.

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Strict Construction

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A literal interpretation of a statute or document by a court.