How Law is Made and Legitimacy (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering who makes laws, how laws are created, legitimacy (substantive and procedural), and an example related to emergency measures and enforcement.

Legislators

Members of Congress or state legislatures who create laws for the federal or a state government.

Judges

Officials who interpret laws and decide cases; when no statute exists they can effectively create law through interpretation.

Administrative agencies

Government bodies (e.g., FDA, SEC) that make law through rulemaking and regulations.

Substantive legitimacy

The content of a law—whether it is just, reasonable, and fair.

Procedural legitimacy

The process by which a law is enacted, including proper procedures and authority being followed.

Right to pass a law

Legal authority granted by the constitution for lawmakers to enact laws.

Free and fair elections

Elections that are conducted properly and without undue manipulation, ensuring elected officials have legitimate authority.

State of emergency

A temporary condition allowing expanded governmental powers, which may enable actions like mandates during the crisis.

Mask mandate

A law or regulation requiring people to wear masks; its enforceability can be contested if the emergency status ends.

Constitutional authority

The legal power granted by the US or state constitution to enact and enforce laws.

New York Constitution

The state constitution that provides the framework and limits for lawmaking within New York.

Sources of law

Origins of laws, including statutes from legislatures, constitutions, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions.

Influence on decision-makers

The factors or actors that affect how legislators, judges, and agencies make legal decisions.