Federalism or Separation of Powers

One group makes the laws, another interprets the laws, another enforces the laws.

Each branch has the power to limit or influence the power of the other branches

There is a President, a Congress and the Supreme Court.

The President can veto a law passed by Congress

Citizens pay income taxes to the federal government and to the state governments. 

The Central gov't defends national security.  The state gov't promotes education.

This principle prevents authoritarian rule

The Senate approves a treaty passed by the President

MD general assembly passes a law.  The Maryland Courts interprets the law

The Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional

The government is divided into the legislative, judicial and executive branches.