1. Seven Principles of Government

2. Popular Sovereignty
Ultimate power and final authority rest with “We the People.”
The People

3. Republicanism
The people exercise their power by delegating it to representatives through the election process
The People, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch

4. Federalism
Power is divided between the central (national) and local (state) levels of government
State and National Governments

5. Separation of Powers
The Constitution separates power at the central level government into three separate branches: legislative, judicial, executive
Legislative, executive, judicial

6. Checks and Balances
The Constitution gives each branch controls or “checks” over the other two branches
Legislative, executive, and judicial branches

7. Limited Government
The power of the government is limited by the rule of the law – that is, the Constitution and the laws. Government is not all powerful
The people, state and national governments

8. Individual Rights
Personal freedoms, personal protections, and equality under the law are guaranteed by the Constitution. The Bill of Rights, and the laws.
The People, state and national governments