Rule of Law and Separation of Powers

A fundamental principle of fairness in all legal matters, both civil and criminal, especially in the courts

• Natural Rights

• Religious Rights

• Due Process of Law

• Polis

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law

• limited government

• republicanism

• democratic principles

• equality of mankind

A government that is limited both in the exercise of its delegated powers and in the means it can employ, which must be both “necessary and proper.”

• limited government

• natural rights

• separation of powers

• Polis

...are those that are not dependent on the laws or customs of any particular culture or government, and so are universal, fundamental and inalienable (they cannot be repealed by human laws, though one can forfeit their enjoyment through one's actions, such as by violating someone else's rights).

• democratic principles

• natural rights

• republicanism

• separation of powers

The right of all Americans to exercise their religion freely, without being coerced to join an established church or to satisfy a religious test as a qualification for public office.

• rule of law

• polis

• natural rights

• religious liberty

One in which, rather than directly governing, the people select some of their members to temporarily serve in political office.

• religious liberty

• separation of powers

• constitutional republic

• natural rights

A city state in ancient Greece, especially as considered in its ideal form for philosophical purposes

• Polis

• Republic

• Democracy

• Confucius

A theory of government that emphasizes the participation of citizens for the common good of the community.

• Fascism

• Communism

• Republicanism

• Anarchy

 ... is where citizens vote for their government officials. These officials represent the citizens' ideas and concerns in government. Voting is one way to participate in our democracy.

• separation of powers

• natural rights

• representative government

• equality of mankind

A political ideal that all citizens and institutions within a country, state, or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers and leaders. It is sometimes stated simply as "no one is above the law".

• rule of law

• legislation

• limited government

• religious liberty