Foundational Ideas
The supreme law of the land in the United States.
The three distinct parts of the U.S. government.
An obligation of those residing in a nation, such as obeying laws and paying taxes.
Responsibilities of a citizen
A fundamental idea of democracy where all individuals are treated equally under the law.
Equality before the law
The idea that the authority of a government comes from the people.
Popular sovereignty
The distribution of governmental powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation of Powers
Actions such as voting, volunteering, and participating in civic life.
Being a citizen
The U.S. operates under this system of government- federal, state, and local governments share powers.
Federal system
The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to and accountable under the law.
Rule of Law
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.
Checks and Balances
Promoting the health, happiness, and prosperity of all members of society.
General Welfare
This principle ensures that the government's authority is derived from and sustained by the people.
Consent of the governed
Rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered.
Inalienable Rights
The division of governmental power among a national and regional (state) governments.
Federalism
A core belief of democracy emphasizing fairness and impartiality in the application of laws.
Equality before the law
A reason why the Founding Fathers established a system of checks and balances.
For one branch to not become too powerful
The concept that the legitimacy of a government depends on the will or consent of the people being governed.
Consent of the Governed
The power of the people to end and create a new government if their rights are being violated and their needs are not being met.
Right to abolish or end the government
A fundamental idea of democracy where political power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through elected representatives.
Democracy or democratic principles
the Constitution creates a system where both the national government and the state governments have their own distinct areas of authority.
Federal system