Checks & Balances with Judicial Notes

Veto Power

The power of the president to refuse to sign a bill into law.

Power of the Purse

The ability of Congress to control government spending and taxation.

Impeach

To formally charge a government official with misconduct.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

Amicus curiae

A person or group that is not a party to a legal case and provides information or expertise.

Writ of certiorari

An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Rule of 4

The Supreme Court's practice where at least four justices must agree to hear a case.

Judicial Restraint

A judicial philosophy where judges limit the exercise of their own power.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy where judges go beyond the text of the Constitution to pursue social justice.

Litmus Test

An ideological test applied to candidates for judicial appointment, especially regarding abortion.

Concurrence

A separate opinion filed by a judge who agrees with the outcome but for different reasons.

Dissent

An opinion in a legal case that differs from the majority opinion.

Impeachment Process

The procedure by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official.

Majority Decision

The court's ruling supported by more than half of the justices.

Current Supreme Court Justices

Members of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.

War Powers Resolution

A law that limits the president's ability to engage in armed conflict without Congressional approval.

Congressional Confirmation

The process by which the Senate confirms presidential appointments.