The Seven Principles of Government 1

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Popular Sovereignty A government in which people have the power to govern themselves. The government is created and run by the people. “the voice of the people” 3

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Republicanism The people exercise their power by voting. The belief that the supreme power of a country should be vested in an electorate. 5

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Federalism The government doesn’t hold all the power. The states also have powers reserved for them. Power is divided between the national government and the states 7

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Separation of Powers Government power is divided between three branches. Executive, Legislative and Judicial 9

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Checks and Balances Each branch of government checks each of the other branches to make sure none gets too powerful. 11

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Limited Government Since the people give the government power, the government is limited to the powers given to it by the people. The government must follow its own laws 13

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Individual Rights Personal liberties or freedoms Rights that each person has regardless of group membership or lack thereof. 15