| 1. Popular sovereignty, meaning rule by the people
This is a government in which the people rule. The people can elect members to Congress and can choose the president. The idea of “popular sovereignty” is found in the Preamble of the Constitution.
2. Republicanism, meaning the right to vote for representatives
The word “republicanism” means a representative government where citizens can vote for people who share their opinions and views. Republicanism means the power rests with citizens who can and do vote. Then, elected representatives use the power that have been given to make laws on behalf those they represent.
3. Federalism, meaning power is shared between the national and state governments
The word “federalism” refers to a system of dividing political power between the national government and the states, where each level has its own set of designated powers, essentially creating a shared authority between the federal government and individual states.
Prior to the ratification of the Constitution, every one of the thirteen original states had its own Constitution. The Tenth Amendment explicitly states that powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states. The Supreme Court is the ultimate judge of the constitutional balance of power between the federal and state governments.
Article IV establishes the full relationship between the states and the federal government
4. Separation of powers into branches that make, enforce, or interpret laws
In the U.S. Constitution, there are three branches of government that make, enforce, and interpret laws. Under the separation of powers, each branch of government has a unique function. The legislative branch makes laws and has the power to pass, change, and repeal laws. Article I establishes the Legislative Branch (the US House of Representatives and the US Senate).
The executive branch approves and carries out the laws and is responsible for running the government day to day. Article II establishes the Executive Branch, that is headed by the president.
The Judicial Branch interprets the laws and settles disagreements based on the Rule of Law. Article III establishes the Judicial Branch (a system of courts and judges.
5. Balance of Power controls (checks) made on the other branches
Each of the three branches has the power to check or control the powers of the other branches. Under the separation of powers, each branch of government has a specific function. This way, no one branch of the government can become too powerful assuming the Rule of Law is respected across all government.
6. Limited government—everyone is bound by the U.S. Constitution
The Declaration of Independence says that governments get "their just powers from the consent of the governed," meaning that the people elect their representatives and that everyone is bound by the "supreme law of the land." This means that no one, not even the president, is above the law.
7. Individual rights - personal freedoms are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights
The personal freedoms of the people are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and cannot be taken away by the central government. |
