[U.S Constitution] -A plan for the government about each branch. -More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress 33 went to the states to be confirmed and 27 received approval from the states to become amendments to the constitution.
[Limited Government] -The citizens controlling The amount of power The Government has. -The traditional American philosophy teaches that government must be limited in power if Individual Liberty is to be safeguarded.
[Federalism] -Shared power with the "Government" and and smaller Governments/The states. -Grant program are a major factor in the federal system.Since 1862 the national government has given grants for "land grant" colleges,highways,welfare,environmental protection and etc.
[Independent Judiciary] -Judicial Branch not affected by Politicians or popular cultural beliefs. -The independence of each individual judge safeguards every persons rights to have their case decided solely on the basis of the law,the evidence and facts,without any improper influence.
[Popular Sovereignty] -The people having equal power over the economy decisions. -They sought to limit the divine right of kings and asserted the right of self-government,popular sovereignty acquired a new, meaning through 1847-1860
[Rule Of Law] -Rules for government keeping society in check. -No individual can be ordered by the government to pay civil damages or suffer criminal punishment except in strict accordance with well established and clearly defined laws and procedures.
[Separation Of Powers/Checks and Balances] -Different Branches being compatible with each other. -It holds that liberty is best preserved if the 3 functions of government.