Basic Government Concepts

Front

Fundamental

Back

basic, essential (as in a foundation)

Front

Principles

Back

basic truths or laws on which others can be founded

Front

Limited Government

Back

the government must follow the law and cannot do whatever it wants.

Front

Popular Sovereignty

Back

the people have the power. Citizens make decisions through voting and participation.

Front

Federalism

Back

power is shared between the national government and the state governments.

Front

Republicanism

Back

people elect leaders to represent them and make decisions on their behalf.

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

government power is divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse of power.