Understanding Government Principles

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

The responsibility of government is divided into three equal branches

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

Ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful. The branches can check what the other branches are doing

Front

Federalism

Back

Power is divided between national and state governments

Front

Popular Sovereignty

Back

The power of government comes from the people because the people can vote

Front

Legislative Branch

Back

Congress makes the laws

Front

Executive Branch

Back

The President enforces the laws

Front

Judicial Branch

Back

The Supreme Court interprets the laws

Front

Individual Rights

Back

Personal freedoms protected under the Bill of Rights (First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution)

Front

Limited Government

Back

Everyone must obey the laws. The Magna Carta established the idea of limited government

Front

Republicanism

Back

Elected Representatives carry out the will of the people.