Three Branches of the United States Government

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structure, roles, and checks and balances of the three branches of the United States government.

System of checks and balances

A system established by The United States Constitution in which power is shared among the branches, allowing each branch some power to check or stop the actions of the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful or controlling.

Executive branch

The branch of government that includes the president of The United States, the vice president, and the cabinet.

President of The United States

The leader of the country and commander in chief of the armed forces, elected to a four-year term with a two-term (eight-year total) limit, who approves and carries out laws, negotiates treaties, and has the power to veto laws.

Veto

The power of the president to refuse certain laws passed by the legislative branch.

Vice president

The second highest executive office of the US government and chief deputy to the president, who also serves as the president of the senate.

The cabinet

A group of chosen experts who give advice to the president to keep the government running across many different areas.

Legislative branch

The branch of government made up of two houses of congress—the senate and the house of representatives—where laws are written, discussed, and voted on.

The Senate

The house of congress consisting of 100 senators (two from each state) elected to six-year terms with no term limits, responsible for approving presidential nominations to the cabinet.

House of Representatives

The house of congress consisting of 435 representatives who serve two-year terms with no term limits, with membership apportioned based on a state's population.

Speaker of the House

The leader of the house of representatives who is elected by its members.

Judicial branch

The branch of government that oversees The US court system and determines whether laws or actions are constitutional or unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court of the United States

The highest court overseeing The US court system, composed of eight justices and one chief justice who are nominated by the president, approved by the senate, and hold life-term positions.