Separation of Powers
One element of a good government is separation of powers. This idea involves splitting the government into multiple branches. In the United States, these branches are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The ancient Romans did something similar where rule was split between the consuls and the Senate. The separation of powers makes it so that no one man has more power than the others, like it is with a monarchy. The checks and balances system makes this possible--each branch has checks on the other two branches to balance it. For example, if a law passes through the legislative and executive branches approved, the president can veto it and send it back through the voting process.
To learn more about separation of powers, visit: http://englishsocialstudies.blogspot.com/2009/03/separation-of-powers.html and http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Separation+of+Powers,+Theory+of+the
To learn more about separation of powers, visit: http://englishsocialstudies.blogspot.com/2009/03/separation-of-powers.html and http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Separation+of+Powers,+Theory+of+the
Federalism
Federalism is a form of government where a main body is separated into smaller bodies. In this equation, the United States is the main body, and each state is a subsidiary of the country. Each state has a government of its own, and each of those governments is loosely controlled by the main U.S. government. France could benefit from something like this. One reason is the psychological factor so that it isn't a "one group rules all" mentality. Smaller subsidiary governments would let the people make more choices in how their community is run.
For more information about federalism, visit: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/federalism/
For more information about federalism, visit: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/federalism/
Limited Government
Limited government is where the government is restricted (or limited) by laws, so they can't do everything. One document that is the epitome of limited government is the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution is a document containing laws that limit the government and give more power to the people. This makes the government unable to become tyrannical and gives the people more security.
For more information regarding the history and application of limited government, visit: http://www.fff.org/freedom/0291c.asp
A site that compares the American and French revolutions, while also giving examples of limited government: http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COMM.5.1.05.HTM
For more information regarding the history and application of limited government, visit: http://www.fff.org/freedom/0291c.asp
A site that compares the American and French revolutions, while also giving examples of limited government: http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COMM.5.1.05.HTM