Constitutional Principles and Government Powers

Adaptive approach

A method used to interpret the Constitution that understands the document to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the times

Divided Government

Governance divided between the parties, especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress

Executive order

A president's or governor's formal order to a government agency or agencies that carries the force of law

Executive privilege

The power to keep executive communication confidential, especially if they relate to national security

Natural law

God's or nature's law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law

Checks and Balances

A constitutional grant of powers that enables each of the three branches of government to check some acts of the others and therefore ensures that no branch can dominate

Impeachment

A formal accusation against the president or another public official; the first step in removal from office

Impoundment

A decision by the president not to spend money appropriated by Congress, now prohibited under federal law

Judicial review

The power of a court to review the laws or governmental regulations to determine whether they are consistent with the U.S. Constitution, or in a state court - the state constitutions

Originalist approach

An approach to constitutional interpretation that envisions the document as having a fixed meaning that might be determined by a strict reading of the text or Framers' intent

Partisanship

Strong allegiance to one's own political party, often leading to unwillingness to compromise with members of the opposing party

Separation of powers

Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive branch applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law

Unified government

Governance in which one party controls both the White House and both houses of Congress

Writ of mandamus

A court order directing an official to perform an official duty