U.S. Government Structures, Powers, and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing the structure, powers, and functions of the U.S. government as outlined in the Constitution.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a national (federal) government and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental power among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government (Article I).

Checks and Balances

A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches.

Limited Government

The principle that the government's power is restricted by the Constitution and its amendments.

Legislative Branch

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

Executive Branch

The branch of the U.S. government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, headed by the President.

Judicial Branch

The branch of the U.S. government responsible for interpreting laws, headed by the Supreme Court.

Electoral College

The body of electors chosen by each state to formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.

Veto

The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming a law.

Pocket Veto

A veto that occurs when Congress adjourns within ten days of submitting a bill to the president, and the president does nothing, thus killing the bill.

Override (of a Veto)

The process by which Congress can reverse a presidential veto by a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate.

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives can bring charges against a federal official (including the president) for wrongdoing.

Ratification

The action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.