Government Vocab - Simple Quiz Definitions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key government terms and definitions.

Government

The system that runs a country or state.

Legislative Power

The power to make laws.

Executive Power

The power to carry out laws.

Judicial Power

The power to interpret laws.

Limited Government

Government has limits on its power.

Representative Government

People elect others to represent them.

Magna Carta

Document that limited the king's power.

English Bill of Rights

Document that protected people's rights.

Bicameral

A legislature with two houses.

Popular Sovereignty

Government power comes from the people.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. system of government.

Ratification

Official approval.

Federalists

People who supported the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

People who opposed the Constitution.

Constitution

The basic rules and plan for U.S. government.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

Each branch can limit the other branches.

Amendments

Changes or additions to the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments.

Four Characteristics of the State

Population, territory, government, and sovereignty.

Federalism

Power is shared between national and state governments.

Elastic Clause

Lets Congress make laws needed to use its powers.

14th Amendment

Gives citizenship and equal protection under the law.

Articles

The main sections of the Constitution.

17th Amendment

Allows voters to directly elect U.S. senators.

Rule of Law

Everyone must follow the law.

Majority Rule

The choice with more than half the votes wins.

Monarchy

Government ruled by a king or queen.

Democracy

Government in which the people have power.

Oligarchy

Government ruled by a small group.

Socialism

System where government or society controls major resources or services.

Policy

A plan or rule used by a government.

Implied Powers

Powers not directly written but needed to do listed powers.

Delegated Powers

Powers given to the national government.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution.