Citizenship Voc

federalism

Sharing power between the federal government and the states.

delegated powers

Powers granted to the federal government.

reserved powers

Powers reserved to the citizens and the state governments.

concurrent powers

Powers shared by the state and federal government.

popular sovereignty

The idea that political authority belongs to the people; they are the source of all government power.

separation of powers

The authority to govern must be spread among the three levels and branches of government.

checks and balances

A system set up by the constitution that prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

elastic clause

Allows the government to be flexible when creating new laws.

veto

To cancel laws passed by Congress; requires a 2/3 majority in both houses to overturn a presidential veto.

pardon

Freedom from punishment.

Commander in Chief

The president can send troops in times of emergency.

cabinet

Department secretaries that advise the President, consisting of 15 executive departments.

executive orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.