Principles of GovernmentFederalism: Power is divided between the central (national) government and the state

governments. Some powers are held by both state and national, while others are held only by national or only by the state governments.

National StateShared

Principles of GovernmentFederalism: Power is divided between the central (national) government and

the state governments. Some powers are held by both state and national, while others are held only by national or only by the state governments.

Principles of GovernmentSeparation of Powers: Power within the national government is

divided among three separate branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Principles of GovernmentChecks and Balances: Each branch of the national government has

certain controls (checks) over the other two branches.

Principles of GovernmentChecks and Balances: Each branch of the national government has

certain controls (checks) over the other two branches.

Principles of GovernmentChecks and Balances: Each branch of the national government has

certain controls (checks) over the other two branches.

Principles of GovernmentPopular Sovereignty: Ultimate power and final authority rest with “we

the people” or all the citizens.

In an absolute monarchy the power comes from the king or queen. A modern example would be Sadaam Hussein.

In our country, we have popular sovereignty. The power comes from the people. We exercise our popular sovereignty by voting.

Principles of GovernmentRepublicanism: The people exercise their sovereignty by delegating their

power through the election process to representative chosen by them.

Principles of GovernmentLimited Government: Government’s power is limited by the rule of

law which includes the Constitution and laws which are passed in pursuance of that Constitution. This means that government is not all-powerful.

King John being forced to sign the Magna Carta which limited his power as a king.

Principles of GovernmentIndividual Rights: Personal freedoms, personal protections, and equality

under the law are guaranteed in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the laws of the U.S.