All power comes from the people.
Limited GovernmentGovernment may do only the things that the people give it power to do.
Separation of PowersBasic powers of the state are distributed among independent branches of government.
Checks and BalancesEach branch of government can be checked by the other branches.
Judicial ReviewPower of the courts to determine if a law/government action is constitutional.
FederalismDivision of power among a central and local governments.