The principle that all people and institutions, including government leaders, are subject to and accountable to the law. No one is above the law.
How does the rule of law support the idea of self-government?
It ensures that the government, created by "the People," cannot act arbitrarily. It must operate within the legal framework established under the Constitution, protecting citizens from abuses of power.
What is meant by "consent of the governed"?
This is the idea that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use power is only justified when derived from the people over whom that power is exercised.
What is the primary way American citizens give their "consent to be governed"?
By participating in free and fair elections to choose their representatives.
What is the concept of a "limited government"?
The principle that a government's power over its citizens is restricted. It may only do those things that the people have given it the power to do, primarily through a constitution.
How does the U.S. Constitution create a limited government?
By specifically listing the powers of the federal government (enumerated powers), reserving all other powers to the states or the people, and establishing a system of checks and balances.
What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?
The U.S. Constitution.
What system prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
The system of checks and balances, where each of the three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) has powers that can limit the other two.
What is a republic or representative democracy?
A system of government where citizens elect officials to represent their interests and make laws on their behalf, rather than voting on every law themselves.
Why is the United States a republic and not a pure direct democracy?
Given the large population and geographical size of the country, it is impractical for every citizen to directly participate in making every law. Representatives are elected to perform this function.
What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), and Judicial (Supreme Court and other federal courts).
