Citizenship Voc

federalism- sharing power between the federal government and the states

delegated powers- powers granted to the federal government

reserved powers- powers reserved to the citizens and the state governments.

concurrent powers- powers shared by the state and federal government

popular sovereignty- the idea that political authority belongs to the people. (the people are the source of all government power)

separation of powers- the authority to govern must be spread among the three levels and branches of government.

checks and balances- a system set up by the constitution that prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

elastic clause- allows the government to be flexible when creating new laws.

veto- to cancel laws passed by Congress (2/3 majority in both houses to overturn a presidential veto)

pardon- freedom from punishment

Commander in Chief- the president can send troops in times of emergency

cabinet- department secretaries that advise the President (15 executive departments)

• executive orders - directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government