POLI 2051 Lecture : Lecture Ch2 2
Document Summary
Definition: a document that specifies the basic structure of government. Our constitution embraces four basic political principles - Republicanism a form of govt in which power resides in the people and is exercised by their elected representatives. - we were founded as a republic, if we could keep it. Federalism the division of sovereignty and hence power, among two or more govts-national and state govts in our case. Powers are derived from the people, who are the ultimate sovereign. Separation of powers the assignment of law- making, law-enforcing and law-interpreting functions to separate and independent legislative, executive and judicial branches of govt. - misleading definition because over time we"ve had some branches be stronger or weaker than others, we should call this sharing of powers instead, functions are separated but power is shared. Checks and balances give each branch some scrunity and control over the other branches. Britain at war with france for control of north.
