The foundations of American government rest on key principles like popular sovereignty (the people rule!), limited government (government power is restricted), separation of powers (different branches have different jobs), checks and balances (branches keep each other in line), and federalism (power is shared between national and state governments). Understanding these principles is crucial to understanding how the U.S. government works!
These ideas weren't just pulled out of thin air. Thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu heavily influenced the Founding Fathers as they crafted the Constitution. Their ideas about natural rights and the importance of dividing power are woven into the very fabric of American democracy.
Match the terms with their definitions:
Answer Key:
Popular Sovereignty - C
Limited Government - D
Separation of Powers - E
Checks and Balances - B
Federalism - A
Complete the paragraph with the correct words from the word bank:
Word Bank: Constitution, states, federal, rights, citizens
The United States operates under a system of __________ government, where power is divided between the national government and the individual __________. This system is defined by the __________, which outlines the __________ of the government and the __________ of its __________.
Answer Key:
Federal, States, Constitution, Rights, Citizens
Explain how the principle of checks and balances prevents any one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful. Give a specific example.
Please log in to post your answer.
Log InEarn 2 Points for answering. If your answer is selected as the best, you'll get +20 Points! 🚀