Principles of Government

The Constitution limits the powers of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have. Government’s power is limited by the rule of law which includes the Constitution and the laws which are passed in pursuance of that Constitution.  This means that government is not all-powerful.

Popular Sovereignty- The people are the source of government power. Ultimate power and final authority rest with “we the people” or all the citizens.

Limited Government-The Constitution limits the powers of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have. Government’s power is limited by the rule of law which includes the Constitution and the laws which are passed in pursuance of that Constitution.  This means that government is not all-powerful.

Separation of Powers- Power within the national government is divided among three separate branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

•Each branch has its own responsibilities

•Founders thought this system would balance and limit powers

•Most states constitutions had several branches

Checks and Balances- Each branch of the national government has certain controls (checks) over the other two branches.

Republicanism- The form of government in which people elect representatives to make and enforce laws. The people exercise their power by delegating it to representatives chosen by them through the election process.

Individual Rights- Amendments 1-10 protect individual rights. Personal freedoms, personal protections, and equality under the law are guaranteed in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and laws of the U.S.

Federalism- Power is divided between the central (national) government and the state government.  Some powers are concurrent and thus held by both levels of government (for examples taxes).

Delegated powers– powers delegated to the federal government

Concurrent Powers– powers shared by state and federal government

Reserved Powers– powers reserved for the states

Horizontal Federalism– the relationship states have with one another

Full Faith and Credit Clause– states honor certain public acts and judicial proceeding from other states.  Ex: marriage

Grants-in-aid– provides federal money to programs with local or private control.

Dual Federalism– equal division of power between the state and the federal government

Cooperative Federalism– state and federal governments work together to solve national problems

New Federalism– federal government gives power back to the states

Judicial Review- Courts have the power to declare laws and actions of the President unconstitutional (Marbury v Madison, 1803). A decision can only be changed by another Court decision or an Amendment. This is an informal Amendment.