US Constitution and Principles

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Popular Sovereignty

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A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

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Checks and Balances

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A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power.

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Individual Rights

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Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

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Republicanism

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The belief that government is based on the consent of the people through elected representatives.

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Limited Government

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The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens; government can only use powers given to it by the people.

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Separation of Powers

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Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law.

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Federalism

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A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

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Preamble

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The introduction to the Constitution, outlining the goals of the document.

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Article 1

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Deals with the Legislative Branch; the powers of Congress and how a Bill becomes a law.

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Article 2

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Deals with the Executive Branch; the powers of the President as well as the duties and requirements.