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.