Basic Principles of American Government

A form of political organization in which government power is divided between a central government and territorial subdivisions.

• Federalism
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Judicial Review

The division of governmental power among several institutions such as the branches of government that must cooperate in decision-making.

• Representative Democracy
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Judicial Review

A form of government in which political control is exercised by all people, either directly or through their elected representatives.

• Democracy
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Limited Government

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government. The precedent for Judicial Review was established in the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison.

• Federalism
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Judicial Review

A principle of democracy that asserts that the greater number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies.

• Popular Sovereignty
• Majority Rule
• Equal Protection
• Consent of the Governed

Constitutional mechanisms that allow one branch of the government to limit the exercise of power by another branch of government. For example, the president may veto legislation passed by Congress; the Senate must confirm major executive appointments; and the courts may declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.

• Limited Government
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Judicial Review

A higher law such as a constitution which declares it necessary to limit the powers of government in order to protect individual civil liberties, political and economic freedoms. In a limited government, everyone must obey the laws (rule of law).

• Rule of Law
• Consent of the Governed
• Limited Government
• Democracy

The power of the government to take private property for public use. The 5th Amendment restricts the government's use of power, by requiring that the government pay just compensation for the property.

• Rule of Law
• Consent of the Governed
• Limited Government
• Eminent Domain

The principle in which the law applies to government officials as much as to ordinary citizens.

• Rule of Law
• Consent of the Governed
• Limited Government
• Individual Rights and Responsibility

Refers to the liberties of each individual to pursue life and goals without interference from other individuals or the government, and an individual's duties (or obligations) to the community, including cooperation, respect and participation. 

• Rule of Law
• Consent of the Governed
• Limited Government
• Individual Rights and Responsibility