American Government
3 Branches
Principles of the Constitution
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Popular Sovereignty
Republicanism
Federalism
Limited Government
Government powers come from the people
Not a direct democracy, elect people to represent us
National government > State government > Local government. Each limited to what it can do.
3 branches, each responsible for its own thing
Each of the 3 branches of government exercises some control over the others, sharing power among them
Powers of government are restricted by the constitution
Legislative
Judicial
Executive
carries out laws (enforce)
evaluates laws
Make laws
Checks & Balances
President & VP
Supreme Court Justice & Chief Justice
Congress & Senate
Impeachment
Override
Nomination/Appointment
Veto
Judicial Review
is it constitutional? laws and executive orders
judges, federal
removed from office
2/3 majority in both house and senate confirm appointments
goes back to legislative, saying no
Declaration of Independence
Equality
Civic Duty
Natural Rights
Popular Sovereignty
People have certain inalienable rights, including Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
All men are created equal.
Individuals have a civic duty to defend these rights for themselves and others.
That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, meaning the government serves the people, that is its primary purpose, and derives its power directly from them.