Key Concepts in American Government: Separation of Powers, Federalism, and More

Separation of Powers

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

Federalism

A system in which power is shared between the national and state governments

Confederation

an organization that consists of a number of parties or groups united in an alliance or league. Very weak central government, power in small group.

Republic (Republicanism)

system of government where the people choose representatives to govern them (indirect democracy)

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution; listed in Article 1 Section 8

Reserved Powers

powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government that are kept by the states. Found in the 10th amendment

Popular Sovereignty (People Power)

basic principle of the American system of government which asserts that the people are the source of any and all governmental power, and government can exist only with the consent of the governed

Labs of Democracy

Different states can implement different policy and the successful ones will spread

Oligarchy

a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.

Autocracy

a system of government by one person with absolute power.

Social Contract

A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.