PrincipleSymbol or Simple

Illustration Brief ExplanationExample from the

Constitution

Popular Sovereignty

Power resides with the people, and people elect their leaders

Article I, Section 2, Clause 1Members of the House of Representatives are chosen by the people.

Rule of Law

Government is guided by laws, rather than by an individual or group. Everyone must follow the law.

Article VI, Section 2The constitution is the supreme law of the land

Separation of PowersChecks and Balances

Power is divided among three government branches, and a system of checks and balances limits the power of any one branch.

Article I, Section 7 Clause 2Congress must present every proposed law to the president for approval before it becomes a law.

FederalismPower is divided between the central government and the individual, state, and local governments

Article VCongress can propose amendments to the Constitution, which the states must ratify.

Independent JudiciaryThe judicial branch is separate to prevent abuses of power and influences by the other two branches.

Article III, section 1Judges hold office for a life term, and their pay cannot be lowered while they are in office

Individual RightsCivil liberties and basic rights are guaranteed

First AmendmentThis amendment establishes that the government cannot take away freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, or petition