Introduction to the Separation of Powers Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the lecture notes about the U.S. constitutional structure and the separation of powers.

Article I of the Constitution

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes and empowers the Legislative branch of the federal government.

Article II of the Constitution

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes and empowers the Executive branch of the federal government.

Article III of the Constitution

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes and empowers the Judicial branch of the federal government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten Amendments to the Constitution, submitted to the states for ratification in 1789 and ratified in 1791, and guaranteeing rights such as the freedoms of speech, assembly, and worship.

Civil service protection

The limitations on how members of the bureaucracy can be fired, demoted, or disciplined.

Constitutional democracy

A system of government based on popular sovereignty in which the structures, powers, and limits of government are set forth in a constitution.

Declaration of Independence

The formal public announcement by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, reciting the grievances of the American colonies against.

Executive branch

The managerial branch of the U.S. government, which includes the President, the police force, the military, the writer of the checks, the printer of the money, the builder of the roads, and the manager of the post office.

Fifth Amendment

The amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits deprivations of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law and also states that if the state takes private property for public use, it must provide just compensation.

First Amendment

The amendment of the U.S. Constitution that includes protections for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the free exercise of religion, and a prohibition on establishment of religion.

Fourteenth Amendment

The amendment of the U.S. Constitution adopted at the conclusion of the Civil War that extended rights and liberties against encroachment by state governments and contained guarantees of equal treatment of all persons.

Fourth Amendment

The amendment of the U.S. Constitution that protects against unreasonable search and seizure and is very important for criminal procedure.

Impeachment

The accusation of a public officer of unfitness or wrongdoing; the President can only be impeached for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."

Judicial branch

The branch responsible for deciding cases or controversies and that claims responsibility for saying what the law is.

Legislative branch

The rule-making body of the U.S. government, which operates as a large deliberative body negotiating and coming to general conclusions in the forms of laws; it is made up by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Parliamentary system

A system of democratic governance that combines legislative and executive powers in many ways.

President of the United States

The head of state and head of government who directs the executive branch and serves as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

Separation of powers (also called "Checks and Balances")

The division of the three branches of the federal government where competition for authority will discourage any one from supremacy or tyranny.

Seventh Amendment

The amendment of the U.S. Constitution that provides a right in federal court to Civil Jury Trial in some instances.

Veto

When the president refuses to sign a bill presented for signature but returns the bill with reasons not to sign it.

Congress

The collective name for the legislative branch, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Due Process Clause

The provision within the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments that prohibits deprivations of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.