attempts within the structure of the US congress to try and ensure that the two main parties must work together in order to fulfill congressional function.
checks and balances
the division of power between the three branches of government where each branch has a direct ability to prevent action from another branch.
codification
a constitution that is written down in one document
constitution
a set of rules determining where sovereignty lies in a political system, and establishing the precise relationship between the government and governed
entrenchment
a system by which the US constitution is protected from change by law; in this case, by the Amendment Process of Article V
Enumerated powers
such powers are stated explicitly in the us constitution - for example article 1, section 8 provides a list of congressional powers.
federalism
The US system in which sovereignty is shared between a central government (federal government) and the individual states, with each having their own specific rights. \
limited government
the power of the US federal govt over its states and citizens is subject to limitations as laid out in the constitution
Principle
the core structural aspects of how the US constitution was defined by the founding fathers when it was drafted
separation of powers
three key bodies of government, legislature, executive and judiciary each have their own powers, personnel and buildings.
