The Balance of Power in the Federal Government

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the balance of power in the Federal Government as outlined in the lecture notes.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to oversee and limit the others.

Executive Branch Powers

Includes granting reprieves and pardons, appointing judges, and vetoing bills.

Judicial Branch Powers

Interprets laws, administers justice, and can declare laws unconstitutional.

Legislative Branch Powers

Responsible for making laws, controlling appropriations, and ratifying treaties.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official.

Veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Amending the Constitution

The process of changing the Constitution, which is deliberately difficult to ensure careful deliberation.

Supermajority Thresholds

A requirement for a proposal to gain a significant level of support, usually more than a simple majority.

Commander-in-Chief

The role of the President as the leader of the military.

Constitutional Interpretation

The process by which courts determine the meaning and application of the Constitution.