The extent of authority and control held by a government over its citizens and the ability to make and enforce laws.
Related terms
Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the Constitution during the ratification debates who believed that it granted too much governmental power at the expense of individual liberties.
Federalists: Supporters of the Constitution who argued for a stronger central government but also advocated for checks on governmental power through systems such as separation of powers.
Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, added to address concerns about protecting individual rights and limiting excessive governmental power.