US History Checks & Balances Flashcards

Who has the power to veto bills?

Excutive

What is the system of overlapping the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to permit each branch to check the actions of the others?

Checks & Balances

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

to make sure one branch does not get too powerful

Who ratifies treaties made by the President?

Legislative

What is the Judicial Branch?

The supreme court

What's the basic principle of American government that executive, legislative, and judicial powers are divided among 3 independent & coequal branches?

separation of powers

What branch enforces the laws?

Executive

What vote is needed to override a President's veto?

2/3

What is the definition of preamble?

introduction to the constitution

The President vetoing a bill passed by Congress would be an example of the executive branch checking who's power?

legislative

To bring an official to trial for misconduct in office

impeach

How can the people through their representatives check the power of the judicial branch (Supreme Court)?

they can amend the constitution

What are numbered sections of the Constitution; detailing the functions of the government and how it works? (Hint: the Instruction Manual)

articles

What term refers to the people having the ultimate power?

popular sovereignty

What branch declares laws unconstitutional?

judicial

Congress refusing to give the President money for something he/she wants is an example of the legislative branch checking who?

executive

Which branch creates and passes legislation?

What are changes in, or additions to, the constitution or a law?

Amendments

What is the executive branch?

The president

What branch declares war?

legislative

What is the sharing of power between the federal and state governments?

federalism

Congress impeaching federal judges would be an example of a check on what branch?

judicial

What is the Bill or Rights?

First 10 Amendments

What branch can override a president's veto?

Legislative

What branch has the power to appoint federal judges?

executive