Government vocabulary

Separation of Powers

the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government

legislative Branch

the branch of government that makes the laws

exectutive branch

the branch of government that carries out, enforces or executes the laws

judical branch

the branch of government, including the federal court system, that interprets, judges the nation's laws

constitution

A written plan of government

the Great Compromise

An agreement made by the Constitutional Convention in which states would have equal representation in one house of the legislature (the Senate) and representation based on population in the other house (House of Representatives)

Supreme Court

Consists of nine justices, each appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress. Appointment is for life.

White House

where the president lives and works

The Capitol Building

the government building in Washington where Congress meets- the United States Senate and the House of Representatives

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

How a Bill becomes a law

Bill is an idea that is introduced in either house; sent to committee to be approved, rewritten, or it "dies"; sent to the floor for debate and vote; both houses pass the revised bill; sent to president for approval; president signs, (or, if vetoed, must have 2/3 vote of both houses to override); bill becomes a law

Articles of Confederation

A weak constitution that governed America during the Revolutionary War.

Shay's Rebellion

Rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, protesting farmers debt. Showed how weak the Articles of Confederation was. It highlighted the need for a strong national government.

House of Representatives

435 members of Congress, based on population in a state

Senate

100 members, 2 members for each state. Members are elected every 6 years. The Vice President is the head of this body.

Federalism

a form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states

the Preamble

Introduction to the Constitution

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to the Constitution

27 changes or additions to the Constitution

Democracy

government by the people

Northwest Ordinance

1787, it is considered one of the most significant achievements of the Articles of Confederation. It established a system for setting up governments in the western territories so they could eventually join the Union as a state.