STANDARD CE.2a
Fundamental Political Principles that Shaped our Government
The Standard: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of American constitutional government by:

a) explaining the fundamental principles of consent of the governed, limited government, rule of law, democracy, and representative government.

What are the fundamental political principles that have shaped government in the United States?

Fundamental political principles

• Consent of the governed—People are the source of any and all governmental power.

• Limited government—Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things people have given it the power to do.

• Rule of law—The government and those who govern are bound by the law.

• Democracy—In a democratic system of government the people rule.

• Representative government—In a representative system of government people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on their behalf.