Fundamental Political Principles SOL: CE 2a

Fundamental political principles define and shape American constitutional government.

Fundamental political principles 1. Consent of the governed: The people are the source of any and all governmental power.

Fundamental political principles 2. Limited government: Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do.

Fundamental political principles 3. Rule of law: The government and those who govern are bound by the law, as are those who are governed.

Fundamental political principles 4. Democracy: In a democratic system of government, the people rule.

Fundamental political principles 5. Representative government: In a representative system of government, the people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on the people’s behalf.

Review Quiz

What is consent of the governed? The people are the source of any and all governmental power.

How do the people give the power to the government?

What is limited government? Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things the people have given it the power to do.

What are some of the limits we place on the government?

What is rule of law? The government and those who govern are bound by the law, as are those who are governed.

Anyone know of an example of people in the government not following the law?

What is democracy? The people rule.

Does anybody know of any examples of other democracies?

What is representative government? In a representative system of government, the people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on the people’s behalf.

Can anyone name any examples of representative?