Relating to the central national government created by the Constitution
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ratification
Formal legal approval or adoption
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sovereignty
The ultimate power and authority to make laws either directly or through representatives; in a democracy, sovereignty lies in the people
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Concurrent
Simultaneous, coexisting
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preamble
introductory part, especially the opening of the Constitution, which begins "We the people"
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Implied
Understood, unspoken
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Checks and balances
divisions of power among the three branches of the federal government so that each branch may limit actions and power of the others.
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cabinet
The advisors to the President who also manage the principal executive departments of the U.S government. The Cabinet is not mentioned in the Constitution, but has grown over time from custom and practice.
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politics
The practice of government; the art of winning control of public opinion.
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Majority
A number greater than half
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Law
A rule or regulation
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Veto
Action by an executive official preventing the enactment of a legislative act. A veto by the President can be overridden by a two-thirds majority of Congress.
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Override
To reverse, ignore or abolish
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bicameral
Two house, as in two house legislatures (Senate and House of Representatives)
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federalists
A group of colonists who advocated the Constitution be ratified upon its writing because a Bill of Rights wasn't needed since states already had them.
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Anti-federalists
Group of colonists who advocated the constitution be ratified only after a Bill of Rights was added
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habeas corpus
A document issued by a judge to protect citizens from being thrown in jail without a valid reason (except in times of war)
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Amendment
A physical change to the Constitution, in writing
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Federal Executive Branch
President, enforces federal laws
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Federal Legislative Branch
Congress, creates federal laws
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Federal Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, interprets any laws
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Congress
Name given to the legislative branch of the federal government. But it also the common nickname of the House of Representatives.
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State/Local Executive Branch
Governor or Mayor, etc., enforces local laws
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State/Local Legislative Branch
Called different things in each state, creates local laws
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State/Local Judicial Branch
Called different things in each state, interprets local laws
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Flashcard (33)