APUSGOV Chapter 2 - VOCAB ONLY

advice and consent

gives the Senate the responsibility to advise the president about nominees and the authority to consent to (approve or reject) those nominations.

checks and balances

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

Federalist No. 51

addresses means by which appropriate checks and balances can be created in government and also advocates a separation of powers within the national government

impeachment

The authority of a chief executive to delete part of a bill passed by the legislature that involves taxing or spending.

pocket veto

A formal decision to reject a bill passed by Congress after it adjourns

separation of power

The principle that divides the powers of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This ensures a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

stakeholders

Individuals or groups who have an interest or are affected by a particular project, organization, or decision-making process. They can include employees, customers, investors, suppliers, and the local community. Stakeholders have the potential to influence or be influenced by the outcomes and success of the entity they are connected to.

two-thirds override

A legislative procedure that requires a two-thirds majority vote to override a veto or pass a bill, often used to limit the power of the executive branch and ensure checks and balances in government.

veto

The power of the executive to reject a proposed law or legislation.

bicameral

A system of government with two legislative chambers or houses, each with its own set of powers and functions.

bill of rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution

Constitutional Convention

Gathering of delegates in 1787 to draft U.S. Constitution.

Electoral College

A body of electors chosen by the voters in each state to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Great Compromise

A compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that established a bicameral legislature in the United States.

New Jersey Plan

Plan proposed at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Advocated for equal representation of states in Congress, regardless of population. Favored by smaller states.

ratification

The formal approval or acceptance of a proposal, agreement, or document, making it legally binding and enforceable.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It stated that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for determining both representation in Congress and taxation.

Virginia Plan

a proposal to the United States Constitutional Convention for the creation of a supreme national government with three branches and a bicameral legislature

Article V

describes the process for altering the Constitution.