Principles of the Constitution

Front

Popular Sovereignty

Back

the authority for government flows from the people

Front

Federalism

Back

power is divided between national (federal) and state governments

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

government is divided into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

each branch limits the powers of the others

Front

Limited Government

Back

the Constitution limits the power of the national government

Front

Republicanism

Back

people elect representatives to rule on their behalf

Front

Individual Rights

Back

the Constitution protects liberties like free speech