Chapter 1-7: U.S. Government Concepts – VOCAB Flashcards

Twenty vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on separation of powers, checks and balances, and related topics.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the others' power to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) with distinct powers to prevent concentration of power.

Veto

The President's constitutional power to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Override (Veto Override)

Congressional process by which both the House and Senate can defeat a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Executive Departments

Cabinet-level agencies (State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, etc.) responsible for enforcing laws and administering policy.

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

Powers of the national government specifically listed in the Constitution.

Delegated Powers

Powers granted to the national government by the Constitution; another term for enumerated powers.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both national and state governments, such as taxation.

Grants-in-aid

Financial assistance from the national government to state governments intended to influence policy.

Categorical Grants

Grants with strings attached, allocated for a specific purpose and with conditions.

Block Grants

Grants with fewer strings attached, giving states flexibility within broad purposes.

Mandates

National government requirements that states must follow, sometimes with funding attached.

Unfunded Mandates

National mandates that impose obligations on states without providing funding.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Federal education policy mandating accountability (adequate yearly progress) with penalties, often tied to funding.

Impeachment

The charging of a public official with misconduct; a political process, not a conviction.

Conviction and Removal

If impeachment leads to a Senate conviction (two-thirds), the official is removed from office.

Impeachment Process (House vs Senate)

The House brings charges; the Senate tries the case with the Chief Justice presiding in presidential cases; Senators serve as jury and prosecutors/defense.

Federalist No. 51

Hamilton's argument that separation of powers and checks and balances protect democracy and justify ratifying the Constitution.

Access Points

Channels through which citizens and groups can influence policymakers and government decisions.

Recess Appointment

Presidential appointments made while the Senate is in recess; often controversial because they bypass immediate Senate approval.