Warm-Up (9/5)

Principles of the U.S. Government

Principle - A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief. Basis for “why we do what we do”

7 Principles of Government Republicanism Individual Rights Limited Government Checks and Balances Federalism Separation of Powers Popular Sovereignty

Republicanism A form of government where the people rule through elected representatives.

Limited Government Idea that the government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it. Everyone including those in charge must obey the laws.

Federalism The division (sharing) of power between the state governments and the national (federal) government.

Sovereignty = power, control, or rule Popular Sovereignty a government receives its authority from the people. A government cannot rule without the people’s consent. Popular = the majority Sovereignty = power, control, or rule

Separation of Powers The division of government into 3 branches - the executive, legislative and judicial, with each branch having different powers and responsibilities.

Checks and Balances Each branch has the ability to check, or control/limit, the power of the other two branches.

Individual Rights The freedom to act, work, think and behave without interference from other individuals or the government