Branches of Government and Civics Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice cards defining key terms related to the branches of government, the legislative process, and federal powers.

Executive

The branch of government that carries out laws, led by the President.

Legislative

The branch of government that makes laws, which includes Congress.

Judicial

The branch of government that explains laws and decides court cases, which includes the Supreme Court.

Federal

Related to the national government of the United States, which makes laws for the whole country.

Congress

The part of the U.S. government that makes federal laws, consisting of two parts: the Senate and the House.

Senate

One of the two parts of Congress, where each state has two senators.

House of Representatives

One of the two parts of Congress, where states have representatives based on population.

Union

A group of states joined together as one country.

Bicameral

Having two separate lawmaking groups, or chambers.

Illustration

A picture or drawing that helps explain an idea.

Approve

To agree to or officially accept something.

Declare

To announce something officially.

Pardon

To officially forgive someone for a crime.

Bureaucracy

Government offices and workers who help carry out laws and services.

Veto

To reject a bill so it does not become law unless the veto is overridden.

Impeach / Impeachment

To formally accuse a government official of misconduct (to impeach), and the formal accusation process itself (impeachment).

Expressed Powers

Powers that are written clearly in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers that are not written directly in the Constitution but help carry out expressed powers.

Override

To cancel or reverse a decision, such as a presidential veto.

Lobbying / Lobbyists

Lobbying means trying to influence government decisions, and lobbyists are the people who do this.