1. The Principles of American Government

2. Term Definition Popular Consent of the Governed
Sovereignty /
Consent of the Governed
Government decisions depend on the consent (approval) of the governed (people)

3. Majority Rule
We make decisions based on what most people want (voting) as long as that decision doesn’t take away people’s rights promised by the Constitution.

4. Individual Rights and Responsibilities
All citizens have rights that can’t be taken away but also responsibilities to fulfill as citizens.

5. Equal Protection
Everyone, no matter their color, wealth, sexual orientation, beliefs, religion, values, ability, sex, age, etc. is entitled to the rights and protections of citizens of the U.S.A.

6. Separation of Powers / Checks and Balances - breaks the U. S
Separation of Powers / Checks and Balances - breaks the U.S. government into 3 separate branches that prevent each other from gaining too much power.

7. Judicial Review
The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government.
Example: The precedent for Judicial Review was established in the case of Marbury v. Madison. The Supreme Court stuck down a law passed by Congress that it said was illegal.

8. Federalism
Remember: The United States has a federal form of government.
This means that the national (also known as federal) government shares power with the states. (U.S. shares power with Maryland, Virginia, California, etc.)
Federalism is the system of dividing up powers between the federal and state governments.

9. Can you find examples in the news about each of these Principles of American Government?