Principles of the Constitution Texas History Chapter 12

Federalism A system of government where power is shared or balanced among the central (or federal) government and the states Ex: Texas cannot make a trade agreement with Australia, but Texas does govern how its public school operate.

Limited Government Requires all U.S. citizens, including government leaders, to obey the law. Ex: The President, members of Congress, and Supreme Court Justices are bound under the same laws as other American citizens.

Popular Sovereignty A government in which all political power comes from the people; a system in which the residents vote to decide an issue Ex: The people of the U.S. elected Barrack Obama as President of the country.

Checks & Balances The ability of each branch of government to exercise check, or controls, over the other branches Ex: Congress makes a law that inhibits freedom of the press, but the Supreme Court rules that the law is unconstitutional and therefore annulled.

Separation of Powers The division of basic government roles into branches. Ex: The U.S. Congress is responsible for enacting new laws for the nation.

Individual Rights A personal liberty and privilege guaranteed to U.S. citizens by the Bill of Rights Ex: The government cannot arrest a person without proper cause, and those who are arrested are still entitled to due process.

Republicanism A belief that government should be based on the consent of the people; people exercise their power by voting for political representatives Ex: The government’s power is derived from the people.