Principles of Government

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the principle of popular sovereignty?

To give more power to the government

To add legitimacy to the United States government and prevent a tyrannical leader (correct)

To reduce the role of citizens in the government

To establish a monarchy in the United States

What is the primary function of the principle of limited government?

To prevent government officials from being above the law (correct)

To eliminate the role of the Constitution

To allow the government to override citizens' rights

To give absolute power to the President

What is the main purpose of the separation of powers principle?

To prevent the concentration of power in one branch of government (correct)

To abolish the Constitution

To ensure equal power distribution among all branches

To concentrate power in one branch of government

What is the primary goal of the system of checks and balances?

To prevent the concentration of power in one branch of government Signup and view all the answers

Why is the principle of federalism essential in the United States?

Because it allows for a balance of power between the federal and state governments Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a treaty created by the president to go into effect?

A two-thirds majority vote in the U.S. Senate Signup and view all the answers

What can the U.S. Congress do if the president vetoes a bill?

Override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the system of checks and balances in the U.S. Government?

To keep the branches of government accountable Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a reserved power held by state governments?

The power to issue marriage licenses Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the division of power between the federal and state governments?

Federalism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the principles of government?

To serve as a guide for the role of citizens and the government's power Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a theocratic government's principles?

They focus on a higher power as the foundation of the country's principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a country's adherence to its principles of government?

A nation with structure and operation with stability and order Signup and view all the answers

How do the principles of government influence a country's laws and way of life?

They provide a foundation for the country's laws and way of life Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the principles of government in different countries?

They value different things, which changes the role of the government and its citizens Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Principles of Government

The principles of government are the concepts and beliefs that guide how a government operates and the role of citizens in it.
They determine how power is divided, a nation's balance of power, laws, and a citizen's way of life.
They allow a nation to have structure and operation with stability and order.

Guiding Principles of the U.S. Government

The five primary guiding principles of the U.S. Government are:
- Popular Sovereignty
- Limited Government
- Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances
- Federalism
These principles are built on the characteristics of equality, democracy, and liberty.

Popular Sovereignty

The people (or citizens) are the ultimate source of government power.
The government only operates with the people's consent and authority.
This principle adds legitimacy to the U.S. government and prevents a tyrannical leader from taking hold.
Citizens can vote and remove an elected official from power if they are unhappy with their representation.

Limited Government

Elected officials are not above the law and their powers are restricted and defined by the U.S. Constitution.
This principle was especially important to the Founding Fathers due to the absolute power of King George III.
The Constitution is critical to limited government, as it contains the powers given to the government.

Separation of Powers

This principle divides power in the U.S. Government among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Each branch has its own distinct powers and no one branch is meant to be more powerful than another.
This principle prevents a concentration of power in one branch of the government.

Checks and Balances

This principle allows each branch to limit the power of another branch.
Many powers of the U.S. government rely on two branches to be fulfilled, preventing one branch from becoming too powerful.
Examples include the president's veto power and the Senate's ratification of treaties.

Federalism

This principle is the division of power between the federal (national) government and the state governments.
Reserved powers are kept for state governments, while delegated powers are given to the federal government.
Concurrent powers are shared between the federal and state governments.
Examples of reserved powers include issuing marriage licenses, while delegated powers include providing for national security.

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Description

Learn about the fundamental concepts and beliefs that shape a government's power, role of citizens, and division of power. Understand how these principles impact a nation's balance of power, laws, and citizens' way of life.