Constitutional Principles

Judicial Branch

• Interpret laws; Judges and Court System

• Create laws; Legislative Assembly

• Enforce laws; Executive Officers

• Review laws; Administrative Agencies

Executive Branch

• Enforce laws; President

• Make laws; Congress

• Interpret laws; Supreme Court

• Advise the President; Cabinet

Separation of Powers

• Government is divided into 3 branches

• Government is run by a single leader

• Government has no defined structure

• Government is divided into 2 branches

Limited Government

• The government has unlimited powers to govern.

• The government is limited to the powers given in the constitution.

• The government can change the constitution at any time.

• The government is only limited by international laws.

Checks and Balances

• Each branch can check, or control, the other branches

• One branch has complete power over the others

• Branches operate independently without oversight

• Checks are only applied to the executive branch

Federalism

• The sharing of power between federal and state government

• The complete control of the federal government over state governments

• The division of power among different branches of government

• The process of states forming a union without federal oversight

Individual Rights

• Personal freedoms are protected (Bill of Rights)

• Government can limit personal freedoms

• Rights are granted by the state

• Individual rights are not recognized

Popular Sovereignty

• People hold the final authority in government (people rule)

• Government officials hold the final authority

• The military holds the final authority

• A monarchy holds the final authority

Republicanism

• People elect representatives to serve in government

• Government is run by a monarchy

• Citizens have no role in government

• All decisions are made by a single leader

Legislative Branch

• Make laws; Congress = House of Representatives and Senate

• Enforce laws; President and Cabinet

• Interpret laws; Supreme Court

• Advise on laws; Senate only