The Principles of the U.S. Government Describe the principles of government and the ways American constitutionalism preserves individual rights.

Principle ’ s )Popular sovereignty )Republicanism )Federalism )Separation of powers )Checks and balances )Limited government )Individual rights )Majority Rules )Constitutionalism A principle is an important standard or law; the basic way in which something works.

Popular Sovereignty )A government in which the people rule )The government gets its power from the people )PEOPLE=POWER

Republicanism )The people vote for their representatives  “ republican form of government ” )Civic republicanism = citizens are informed about politics and participate in the process (I.e. voting)

*Federalism )Power is divided between a central or federal government and smaller governments (I.e. the states) )The state and federal government share power. )*Dual sovereignty means the shared powers are defined and separated

Separation of Powers )Power or jobs are divided into separate groups )Governing of separate areas prevents the abuse of power )Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches of the Government

Checks And Balances )Each of the branches of government makes sure that the other is following the rules and doing their job correctly.  Each branch of government has some sort of control over the others. This is how they “ check ” each other )The President can veto a bill (proposed law) )The supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional

Limited Government )The power of the government is restricted. )The Constitution lists the powers denied to Congress (A1, S9). )The Constitution forbids states to do certain things (A1, S10). )In American government everyone must obey the law (citizens, powerful people, groups of people).

Individual Rights )The Bill of Rights protects people from the government. )The Bill of Rights and some of the later Amendments guarantee certain individual rights are protected. )For example, people have the right to write or say what they believe without government interference.

Majority Rules )Decisions are made by the majority. )A majority is more than half (>50%) )Rights of the minority are protected by the Bill of Rights and elected representatives.

Constitutionalism  The government ’ s power is limited )The practice of government is regulated by a written constitution )The belief in a constitutional government

The Framers of the Constitution made the new system of government and these principle ’ s supported their efforts to create a strong and just government.