Government Terms

United States Constitution

The framework of the national government and the source of the basic rights of all American citizens

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution's fundamental purposes and guiding principles

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.

Popular sovereignty

Authority of the people

republic

a system of limited government where the people are the final source of authority. The people elect representatives and give them the authority to make laws and run the government.

limited government

The federal government's authority is restricted to specific powers granted by the people.

federalism

The principle of shared power. The federal (national) government is in charge of some things but other powers are given to the states.

separation of powers

To prevent any single group or institution in government from gaining too much authority (power), the framers divided the Federal Government into three branches

checks and balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

individual rights

a major principle of the constitution, that Americans have basic rights that must be protected.

enumerated powers

Powers that are only given to the federal government

concurrent powers

powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments

reserved powers

Powers that are kept or assigned to the states.

legislative branch

The branch of government that makes the laws. The United States Congress is in charge of this branch of government at the national level.

congress

The two houses of the legislative branch. The two primary roles of this organization are to make the nation's laws and to decide how federal funds will be spent.

senate

The part of Congress that represents an entire state. There are two members of this house for each state and these members serve a 6 year term.

House of Representatives

The part of Congress that represents a district within a state. Representation is based on population and the members serve a term lasting two years.

bills

a proposed law under consideration by a legislature

laws

a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior

executive branch

The branch of government that enforces the laws. The President of the United States is the leader of this branch of government.

cabinet

The president's chosen advisors that help set policy and make decisions

veto

to reject

judicial branch

The branch of government that interprets or judges the laws. The Supreme Court is the top court in the United States and the strongest court in this branch.

Supreme Court

The final authority in the federal court system. 9 judges led by the Chief Justice. Appointed by the president to a life term and confirmed by the Senate.

judicial review

The authority of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution.

due process

All levels of American government must operate within the law ("legality") and provide fair procedures.

ex post facto laws

It is wrong to punish an act if the act was not illegal when it was committed. The government can not declare that something is illegal in 2013 and arrest you for having committed the act in 2012.

habeas corpus

a person under arrest must be brought before a judge or into court

impeach

to accuse of misconduct or crimes while in office.