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Constitution Basics

Con*sti*tu*tion (kon-ste-tÜ-shen)
1. n. system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, or society is governed.
2. n. the written set of fundamental principles by which the United States is governed.

Popular Sovereignty
A government created by and for the people.

Rule of Law
A government guided by a set of laws, rather than by any individual or group entity.

Separation of Powers and a System of Checks and Balances
A separation of powers and distribution of functions and responsibilities among three separate government branches, and a system of checks and balances to calibrate those powers.

Federalism
A federalist system whereby governing power is shared between the national government and the individual state governments.

Judicial Review
The establishment of the Supreme Court as the judicial branch's authoritative institution, and the resulting power of judicial review.

Individual Rights
Protection of individual rights and liberties against government encroachment.