Principles of Government

Divides the government into separate, independent powers, with their own responsibilites.

Each branch of government has it's own powers but these powers are also limited.This principle sets up the Checks and Balances Principle.

This principle says that our democracy guarantees the rights of the people.

People are elected and become representatives in government for a particular time. The idea that people can can vote for representation of their communities.

This principle embraces the idea that it is better to elect leaders than just to have one king or queen rule.

the power of the government comes from the people. "The consent of the governed" means the government is granted power from the people.

This principle means everyday people give their permission to be governed by the officals they elect.

In order to make sure that one branch didn't become too powerful, the Constitution has "checks and balances" that enable each branch to keep the others in line.

Legislative Branch (Congress) can write a law and vote to pass it.

Exceutive (Branch) doesn't like it and can veto the law.

Judical Branch(Surpreme Court) can declare the law unconstitutional.

In a limited government, the people who create the laws must also follow the laws. No government leader or offical is above the law.

Limted Government says "No one is above the law." The government's control of the people should be limited.

A principle of government that divides power between the national government and the state government.

In a compromise the power is shared between the national government and each state.