The set of arrangements, including checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, rule of law, due process, and a bill o
f rights, that requires our leaders to listen, think, bargain, and explain before they act or make laws. We then hold them politically and legally accountable for how they exercise their powers
Constitutionalism is a doctrine based on the idea that the government’s power is defined by a body of laws.
The Rule of Law establishes that nobody is above the law.
The separation of powers among the legislative branch that makes the laws, the executive branch that applies and enforces them, and the judicial branch that interprets the law. The checks and balances system allows each branch to restrict other branches to deter any abuse of power.
