Principles of Government

The government's right to rule comes from the people.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Limited Government

• Republicanism

• Federalism

The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives to it.

• Popular Sovereignty

• Limited Government

• Republicanism

• Federalism

The Constitution divides the government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Republicanism

• Federalism

Each branch of government has the power to check or limit the actions of the other two.

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Republicanism

• Checks and Balances

The governments power is divided between the national government and the states.

• Separation of Powers

• Limited Government

• Checks and Balances

• Federalism

A philosophy of government in which citizens elect representatives to carry out their will

• Federalism

• Limited Government

• Republicanism

• Individual Rights

Personal freedoms protected by the Constitution

• Limited Government

• Republicanism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Individual Rights