POLITICAL PRINCIPLES IN THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Front

a principle of government that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

Back

checks and balances

Front

the idea that government gains its power/authority from the people

Back

consent of the governed

Front

a form of government in which political power is held by the people; can be direct (each individual person makes decisions) or indirect (people elect representatives to make decisions)

Back

democracy

Front

the right of people accused of crimes to have laws that treat them fairly, so that they cannot lose their life or freedom without having their legal rights protected

Back

due process of law

Front

a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president

Back

Electoral College

Front

a system of government in which power is divided and shared between national, state, and local governments

Back

federalism

Front

established the United States legislature as bicameral (two-house); the Senate would allow each state two representatives; the House of Representatives would have the number of representatives allowed for each state be determined by its population

Back

Great Compromise

Front

rights guaranteed or belonging to a person

Back

individual rights

Front

a government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement

Back

limited government

Front

a type of government that allows people to vote and elect government officials to represent their beliefs and make decisions on their behalf

Back

representative government