limited government
The principle of popular sovereignty states that all political power resides with the people of the United States. This means that the government can only carry out the issues that the people consent to.
States rights to govern themselves
The first two political parties in the United States were sharply divided by the issue of a strong federal government or states rights. The Federalists wanted a strong central government. The Republicans wanted more state sovereignty.
Federalism is a system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central government and constituent political units like states.
Separation of powers is a political doctrine originating from the United States Constitution, according to which the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the United States government are kept distinct in order to prevent abuse of power.
Political affliction
(government) the study of government of states and other political units
For the same reason the US Federal government is more powerful than the states. The provinces and states are subservient to National government.
This was originally the policy of the Anti-Federalists at the founding of the US, and is now usuallly expressed as "states rights".
City-states were independent political entities with their own government and laws in biblical times. The principle of city-states is reflected in how cities like Jerusalem, Babylon, and Jericho were autonomous and had their own rulers. This decentralized system of governance influenced interactions and conflicts among city-states in the ancient world.
The principle of limited federal government. More precisely the constitution does give the federal government the power to purchase new territory and clearly states that all powers not listed as belonging to Congress are reserved to the states.
The distribution of power between the states and the federal government is governed by the principle of federalism. This constitutional principle allows for a division of responsibilities and powers, with certain powers reserved for the federal government, while others are reserved for the states. Federalism aims to balance the authority of national and state governments, ensuring that both can operate effectively within their respective spheres. This arrangement is crucial for maintaining a system of checks and balances within the U.S. political framework.