All terms in this list:

Popular Sovereignty: -government's authority comes from the people
-reflects their will
-a government in which the people rule

Republicanism: -representative democracy
-people elect reps to make laws and exercise the power of government

Federalism: -the states and the nation become partners in governing
-requires both a strong central government and local governments
-powers delegated to the National Gov
-powers reserved for the State gov

Separation of Powers: -concerned over too much power might fall into the hand of a single group
-pitted the branches of government against one another- created separation of powers

Checks and Balances: -make sure the branches work fairly together
-each branch of government can exercise checks, or controls, over the other branches (limiting the power of the government)

Limited Government: -restricted the power of government
-everyone, (citizens and powerful leaders) must obey the law

Individual Rights: -1st ten amendments to the Constitution
-shield people from a powerful government
-called the Bill of Rights
-guarantees certain individual rights, or personal liberties and privileges

Supreme Law: -the Constitution and the law of the US are above all laws
-state laws, treaties, and judges are bound to the Constitution

Flexibility: -the ability to change
-amendments may be added
-Elastic Clause- make laws that are necessary and proper in order for the Federal government to do its job