Principles of Government

Front

Limited government

Back

A government that only has the powers the people give it.

Front

Republicanism

Back

A system where people elect leaders to make decisions and laws for them.

Front

Federalism

Back

A way of sharing power between the national government and the states.

Front

Checks and balances

Back

A system where each branch of government can stop the others from becoming too powerful.

Front

Separation of powers

Back

Dividing government into three branches: legislative (make laws), executive (carries out laws), and judicial (interprets laws).

Front

Popular sovereignty

Back

The idea that the people have the power and give government its authority.

Front

Rule of law

Back

Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

Front

Democracy

Back

A system of government where the people rule.