Three Branches of Government - Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the three branches of government, their structure, powers, and important legal cases.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of Congress which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

A part of Congress with 435 members, representation based on population.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress containing 100 members, with 2 senators from each state.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation, often involving long speeches.

Cloture

A procedure used to end debate in the Senate, requiring 60 votes for approval.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government, which do not require congressional approval.

Commander in Chief

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

Veto Power

The President's authority to reject bills passed by Congress.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the U.S., which hears key cases and interprets laws.

Rule of Four

The principle that allows four justices to agree to hear a case in the Supreme Court.

Roe v. Wade

A landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion under the right to privacy, overturned in 2022.