1. 6 Basic Principles
Popular Sovereignty
the people are the source of any and all governmental power
the preamble—”we the people…..”
the right to self-govern. The gov’t gets its power from the people.

2. Limited Government no government is all-powerful
government can only do what the people have given it the power to do.
Constitutionalism: government must act according to principles laid out in the constitution itself.
Rule of Law: government officials are never “above” the law

3. Separation of Powers Separation of Powers:
3 branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial
Powers are distributed and separated

4. Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances: each branch is subject to restraints and power. Each branch also act as watchdog of the other two. Veto: executive power to reject a congressionally passed law. Label the Chart Provided

6. Judicial Review
Judicial Review: power of the courts to determine whether the government follows the constitution. (constitutional or unconstitutional)
Unconstitutional: declare illegal, null and void, no effect towards provisions of the constitution.

7. Federalism
Federalism: division of power among central and regional governments
National government – all 50 states must follow.
State government-each has different interpretation and laws for same issues.