2.2 The Constitution and Home Rule

constitution

a document that sets the rules and procedures for an organization such as a government, school, business, church, etc.

legislative

the branch which creates laws; (Congress)

judicial

the branch which decides what laws mean and when laws have been broken; (headed by the Supreme Court)

executive

the branch which enforces laws; (headed by the President)

state

the level of American government most responsible for schools, transportation, and most crimes

local

the level of American government most responsible for the police, fireman, parks, libraries, sewers, and waste disposal

federal

the level of American government responsible for creating money, delivering mail, fighting wars

home rule

principle: each level of community should run as much of its own business as possible

majority rule

principle: more than half of the people have to agree on something for it to become law

federalism

principle: national and state governments share power

checks and balances

principle: the ability of each branch of government to limit or obstruct the power of another branch

popular sovereignty

principle: the people are the final authority in government and have the right to rule themselves

separation of powers

principle: the power of government is divided between the three branches of American government

limited government

principle: the powers of the government are limited; government can't do whatever it wants

U.S. Constitution

the document that sets the rules and procedures for the U.S. government; the foundation for American government