Principle
Definition
Example
Popular Sovereignty
Federalism
Separation of Power
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Limited Government
Majority Rule
Rule of Law
Due Process
Principle: Popular Sovereignty
Definition: Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.
Example: In the United States, popular sovereignty is manifested through the election of officials to represent the will of the people in governing the country.
Principle: Federalism
Definition: Federalism is the division of power between a central government and regional governments, allowing for both levels of government to have their own areas of authority.
Example: In the United States, certain powers are reserved for the federal government, while others are left to the individual states to govern.
Principle: Separation of Power
Definition: The separation of power is the principle that the powers of government should be divided among separate branches, like the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, to prevent the abuse of power.
Example: The United States government is divided into three branches, each with its own distinct powers and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution.
Principle: Checks and Balances
Definition: Checks and balances is the principle that each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Example: The legislative branch can pass laws, but the executive branch can veto them; the judicial branch can declare laws unconstitutional.
Principle: Judicial Review
Definition: Judicial review is the power of the courts to review and potentially invalidate laws or actions by the government that are found to be unconstitutional.
Example: The landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review in the United States.
Principle: Limited Government
Definition: Limited government is the concept that the power of government should be limited by a constitution or other legal means to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny.
Example: The United States has a system of limited government that is outlined in the Constitution, which sets out the powers and limits of the government.
Principle: Majority Rule
Definition: Majority rule is the principle that decisions should be made by the will of the majority of the people.
Example: In a democracy, laws are generally passed based on the majority vote of elected officials.
Principle: Rule of Law
Definition: The rule of law is the principle that no individual or government entity is above the law and that all must obey the law.
Example: The United States operates under the rule of law, meaning everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law.
Principle: Due Process
Definition: Due process is the principle that government must follow fair and established rules and procedures when enforcing the law and treating individuals.
Example: The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees due process of law before a person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property.