Government Principles and Popular Sovereignty

Questions and Answers

What is the concept of popular sovereignty?

Political power rests with the people (correct)

Political power rests with the government

Government can act without the people's consent

Government can only be controlled by elected officials

What does federalism refer to?

The sharing of power between federal and state governments

What is meant by limited government?

The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it

What does the rule of law entail?

The government and its officers are always subject to the law Signup and view all the answers

What is constitutionalism?

Government must be conducted according to constitutional principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the preamble in the Constitution?

The introduction to the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What does checks and balances mean?

Each branch of the national government can check the actions of the other two branches Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial review?

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional Signup and view all the answers

What are powers granted to the national government referred to as?

Delegated powers Signup and view all the answers

What are expressed powers?

Powers written directly in the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What are inherent powers?

Powers given to the national government because it is a sovereign state Signup and view all the answers

What does reserved powers mean?

Powers that are not given to the national government so are left for the states Signup and view all the answers

What are concurrent powers?

Powers given to both the state and federal governments, such as the power to tax Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Popular Sovereignty and Government Principles

Popular Sovereignty: Political power is derived from the people. Citizens express their will through voting and engaging in government processes.
Federalism: A system that divides powers between federal and state governments, ensuring both levels operate independently within their jurisdictions.
Limited Government: Government operates within prescribed limits set by the Constitution; it possesses only the powers explicitly granted to it by the document.
Rule of Law: Establishes that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law, maintaining equality and accountability.
Constitutionalism: The principle that government authority and operations are defined and constrained by a constitution.

Constitutional Elements

Preamble: The introduction of the Constitution that outlines its purposes and guiding principles.
Checks and Balances: A doctrine ensuring that each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) has the authority to monitor and limit the actions of the others, preventing any one branch from gaining too much power.
Judicial Review: The power held by the Supreme Court to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and governmental actions, safeguarding the Constitution as the supreme law.

Types of Government Powers

Delegated Powers: Powers specifically assigned to the national government, enabling it to function effectively.
Expressed Powers: Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution, detailing specific authorities granted to the national government.
Inherent Powers: Powers that are recognized as essential to any sovereign state, allowing the national government to operate effectively on the global stage.
Reserved Powers: Powers not explicitly assigned to the national government nor prohibited to the states, remaining under state jurisdiction.
Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both state and federal governments, such as the authority to tax, illustrating cooperation between different governmental levels.

Description

Test your understanding of key government principles such as popular sovereignty, federalism, and the rule of law. This quiz covers essential elements of the Constitution and the concept of limited government. Dive into the foundational ideas that shape American governance!