Political Terms and Structures

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key political terms and concepts related to the structure of government, the presidency, Congress, the judicial system, political parties, and key government actions.

federal government

The national system of government of a country, especially in the US, divided into branches.

separation of powers

The division of government into branches with different powers.

checks and balances

A system where each branch limits the power of others.

executive branch

The part of government that enforces laws (President, agencies).

legislative branch

The branch that makes laws (Congress).

judicial branch

The branch that interprets laws (courts).

Constitution

The highest law that defines government structure and powers.

president

The head of state and leader of the executive branch.

head of state

The official leader of a country.

commander-in-chief

The leader of the armed forces.

State of the Union Address

A yearly speech by the president about national issues.

Oval Office

The president’s official working office.

White House

The official residence of the US president.

term (of office)

The fixed period a person serves in office.

electoral college

A group that formally elects the president.

impeach

To formally accuse a president of wrongdoing.

resign

To leave a position voluntarily.

Congress

The US legislative body (Senate + House of Representatives).

Senate

The upper house of Congress with 100 members.

House of Representatives

The lower house of Congress.

Capitol (Building)

The building where Congress meets.

bill

A proposed law.

veto

The president’s power to reject a law.

override (a veto)

To reject the president’s veto.

declare war

To officially announce war.

impose taxes

To require people to pay money to the government.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the US.

justice

A judge in the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice

The head of the Supreme Court.

judicial review

The power to decide if laws are constitutional.

unconstitutional

Not allowed by the Constitution.

court of appeal

A court that reviews decisions of lower courts.

precedent

A previous decision used as a guide.

political party

A group with similar political ideas competing in elections.

two-party system

A system dominated by two major parties.

election

A process where people vote for leaders.

candidate

A person running for office.

vote

To choose a candidate in an election.

Republican Party

A major US political party, generally conservative.

Democratic Party

A major US political party, generally liberal.

conservative

Favoring tradition and limited government.

liberal

Supporting social change and government action.

welfare

Government support for people in need.

right-wing

Political views favoring tradition and authority.

policy

A plan or set of actions by a government.

Speaker

The person who controls debates in a parliament.

Speaker of the House

The leader of the House of Representatives.

MP (Member of Parliament)

An elected member of parliament.

appoint

To officially choose someone for a position.

approve

To officially accept something.

enforce laws

To make sure laws are followed.

propose laws

To suggest new laws.

declare unconstitutional

To officially state a law is invalid.