The 7 Principles of Goverment
By: Madison Fox
1. Checks and Balances
Ex: The system of checks and balances is used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch. Often this represents a circular arrangement, for example:
- The executive branch can veto bills from the legislative, but
- The legislature can override the veto.
Executive Branch
1. The President is the commander-in-chief of the army and the navy, but only Congress can declare war.
2. The President nominates judges.
3. The President can veto congressional legislation.
Legislative Branch
1. Congress approves presidential nominations.
2. Congress controls the budget.
3. Congress can pass laws over the president's veto.
4. Congress can impeach the president and remove him/her from office.
5. The Senate confirms the president's nominations (for judges, etc.).
Judicial Branch
1. The Court can declare laws unconstitutional.
2. The Court can declare presidential acts unconstitutional.
2. Separation of Powers
Ex: An example of separation of powers is our government today. It's split up into three different branches, each with equal power, each able to check each other if one becomes crazy or gains too much power.
3. Republicanism
Ex: Republicanism is electing representatives to vote on different government matters for your state's opinion. Example: Someone suggests a 28th Amendment to the Constitution. At Least 2/3 of Congress has to ratify it. Your state must elect representatives, if you are missing them, for the vote.
4. Federalism
Ex: State propositions, which allow differentiation within states concerning several laws. Gay marriage, state taxes, gun laws, etc.
5. Limited Goverement
Ex: The government can not pass any law regarding religion.
6. Individual Rights
Ex:
- Individuals have the right to their own faith/religion without the government's interference.
- Individuals have to right to start their own business, and determine their own careers without the government.
- Individuals have the right to move about and live in the place of their own choosing.
7. Popular Sovereignty
Ex: When slavery still existed, different territories had different opinions so, they let each territory decide if they wanted slavery or not.