A fundamental principle of democracy is that all citizens have equal rights and participate equally, ensuring representation and fairness. This idea forms the basis of democratic governance.

The Legislative Branch is tasked with making laws. In the United States, Congress, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives, plays this central role.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and establishes the government's structure and rules. It serves as the foundational framework that guides the powers and limits of different government branches.

The First Amendment secures fundamental freedoms including the freedom of speech, religion, and the press. It is a cornerstone of democratic society, protecting the right of individuals to express their opinions freely.

The separation of powers means dividing the responsibilities of government among separate branches to prevent abuse of power. This structure allows each branch to check the others, maintaining a balance in governance.

The executive branch is primarily responsible for enforcing and implementing laws. Led by the President, it manages federal agencies and ensures that laws passed by Congress are executed.

Checks and balances is a system that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the others. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too dominant, maintaining equilibrium within government operations.

Federalism is the system in which power is divided between a central authority and regional governments. This arrangement allows for local autonomy while still preserving a unified national policy framework.

Marbury v. Madison is a landmark case that established judicial review in the United States. This decision empowered the judiciary to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution, reinforcing the system of checks and balances.

The Senate plays a critical role in reviewing and confirming presidential appointments, such as judges and cabinet members. This function is an essential component of the legislative branch's oversight of executive power.

Popular sovereignty is the idea that governmental authority originates from the will of the people. This principle underscores the importance of citizen participation in a democratic system.

Deliberation involves careful discussion and compromise, allowing citizens and their representatives to influence government decisions. This process is essential for reaching policies that account for diverse viewpoints in a democracy.

A written constitution solidifies the framework of government by clearly delineating powers and limitations. This document serves as a reference point for both government officials and citizens, protecting individual rights and ensuring orderly governance.

The Bill of Rights was introduced to protect individual liberties and restrict governmental power. By enumerating essential rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, it ensures that citizens' freedoms are defended.

Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism designed to hold high officials accountable for misconduct. It acts as an important check on power by potentially removing officials who abuse their office.

Marbury v. Madison was a landmark ruling that established judicial review, thereby empowering the courts to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution. This decision reinforced the judiciary's role as a critical check on the powers of the other branches.

Modern federalism adapts by decentralizing power, allowing states and local governments to tackle local issues while a central government maintains national standards. This balance makes it possible to address unique regional needs without sacrificing overall unity.

During periods of political polarization, checks and balances can slow down policy-making because consensus is needed from multiple branches. This process ensures thorough scrutiny but may result in gridlock when branches are highly divided.

The separation of powers prevents tyranny by distributing authority among several branches, ensuring that no single branch can monopolize power. This system of mutual oversight safeguards individual freedoms and contributes to stable governance.

Popular sovereignty means that the authority of a government is derived from the people. In democratic systems, regular and free elections ensure that government officials are accountable to the public, thereby maintaining legitimacy.