Popular Sovereignty
People that are not controlled by others, U.S. being independant against tyranny,, The concept that political power rests with the people who can create, alter, and abolish government. People express themselves through voting and free participation in gov
Limited Government
limits the government's power, people elect officials, prevents tyranny and monarchy
Separation of Powers
Makes 3 branches of government, divides powers;
e.g. legislative, executive, judicial
Federalism
the sharing/dividing of power between federal gov't and state gov't
Republicanism
indirect democracy (we choose representatives); senators and representatives make decisions
Individual Rights
added later, "Bill of Rights", the Constitution protects our individual rights; e.g. freedom of speech, religion, press etc.
Checks and Balances
gives branches power to limit powers of other branches; e.g. president vetoes a bill, example of executive branch and judicial branch checking eachother