Checks on the Presidency

presidential nomination

A president’s formal proposal of a candidate to fill a position, such as a cabinet member or Supreme Court justice.

confirmation

Senate approval of a presidential nomination.

executive order

A rule or order issued by the president without the cooperation of Congress that carries the force of law.

The Constitution of the United States

The fundamental laws and principles that govern the United States, established through compromises between federalists and anti-federalists.

Conflict in appointments

Confirmation of presidential appointments can cause conflict, particularly for cabinet members and judicial appointments requiring Senate approval.

Judicial appointments

Life-tenured judicial appointments, such as Supreme Court justices, allow the president to extend influence beyond their term in office.

Congressional vs. Presidential agenda

The president's use of executive orders and policy initiatives may create conflict with Congress, as it enhances presidential power beyond expressed constitutional limits.

Checks and balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by granting each branch oversight over the other branches.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Federalism

The distribution of power between a central government and its political subdivisions, like states.

Amendment

A formal change or addition to the Constitution that requires a specific process for ratification.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that outline individual rights and protections against government overreach.

Judicial review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official, potentially leading to removal from office.

Political parties

Organized groups that seek to gain political power by electing members to government positions.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution for the indirect election of the president and vice president of the United States.

Veto

The constitutional right of a president or governor to reject a decision or proposal made by a legislative body.

Legislation

The process of making or enacting laws by a legislative body.

Executive branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, headed by the president.

Legislative branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).

Judicial branch

The branch of government that interprets laws and administers justice through the court system.

Electoral process

The method by which voters elect representatives and decide on policy issues, including primaries, general elections, and referendums.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate.

Quorum

The minimum number of members required to be present for a legislative body to conduct its business legally.

Majority rule

A fundamental principle in democratic decision-making where the greater number of votes determines the outcome.

Minority rights

The rights and protections afforded to individuals or groups that are not part of the majority, ensuring they are not oppressed.

Constituent

A person who is represented by an elected official in government.

Primary election

An election in which voters select candidates to represent their party in the general election.

General election

An election held to choose among candidates from different parties for a specific office.

Political action committee (PAC)

A group that raises and spends money to elect or defeat political candidates, often representing business or ideological interests.

Incumbent

An elected official who is currently in office and seeks reelection.

Campaign finance

The funds raised and spent by candidates to promote their election campaigns.

Ballot initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation and submit it for a vote by the electorate.

Gerrymandering

The practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Polling place

The location where voters go to cast their ballots during an election.

Absentee ballot

A voting method that allows a voter to mail or submit their vote remotely, rather than attending a polling place in person.

Swing state

A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters, making it a key target in elections.