Crash Course: American Government (Ace-It Version)

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the American government as discussed in the lecture notes.

Limited government

The principle that government powers are restricted by law, usually in a written constitution.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Checks and balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful and that each branch has the means to check the powers of the others.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces laws and is headed by the president.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws, consisting of the Supreme Court and other courts.

Bill

A proposed law that must be approved by Congress and the president to become law.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body accuses a government official of wrongdoing.

Elastic Clause

The clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties, also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Reapportionment

The process of reassigning representation based on population, typically occurring after each census.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district lines for congressional and state legislative elections.

Campaign finance

The funds raised to promote candidates, political parties, or policies in elections.

Bureaucracy

A large organization that carries out administrative functions, often within the government.

Federal Register

A daily publication that contains government announcements, rules, and regulations.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented.

Closed primaries

Elections in which only registered party members can participate.

Open primaries

Elections in which any registered voter can participate, regardless of party affiliation.

Electoral sabotage

The act of voting in another political party's primary to disrupt their candidate selection process.