1. Symbol or Simple Example from the
Principle Illustration Brief Explanation Constitution
Power resides with the people, and people Article I, Section 2, Clause 1
elect their leaders Members of the House of Representatives
Popular Sovereignty are chosen by the people.
Government is guided by laws, rather than Article VI, Section 2
by an individual or group. Everyone must The constitution is the supreme law of the
Rule of Law follow the law. land
Power is divided among three government Article I, Section 7 Clause 2
branches, and a system of checks and Congress must present every proposed
Separation of Powers balances limits the power of any one law to the president for approval before it
Checks and Balances branch. becomes a law.
Power is divided between the central Article V
government and the individual, state, and Congress can propose amendments to the
Federalism local governments Constitution, which the states must ratify.
The judicial branch is separate to prevent Article III, section 1
abuses of power and influences by the Judges hold office for a life term, and their
Independent Judiciary other two branches. pay cannot be lowered while they are in
office
Civil liberties and basic rights are First Amendment
guaranteed This amendment establishes that the
Individual Rights government cannot take away freedoms
of religion, speech, press, assembly, or
petition