Chapter 1-7: U.S. Government Concepts – VOCAB Flashcards

Separation of powers: Divides government authority into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent power concentration.
Checks and balances: Each branch limits the powers of the others, ensuring accountability and preventing abuse. Link to Federalist No. 51.

Legislative (Congress): Makes laws, confirms judicial nominees, can impeach officials.
Executive (President): Enforces laws, implements policy via departments, can veto legislation, appoints officials.
Judicial (Courts): Interprets laws, settles disputes, can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Veto: President's power to reject laws. Can be overridden by Congress.
Override: Requires a \frac{2}{3} supermajority in both the House and Senate.
Impeachment: House charges an official; Senate conducts a trial. Conviction (also requiring a supermajority) leads to removal from office. Historical examples: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump.
Appointments: President appoints key officials (approx. 8{,}000 positions, including Supreme Court justices and cabinet members); Senate confirms or rejects.
Judicial Review: Courts' power to strike down unconstitutional laws or actions.

Concept: Power is shared between national and state governments.
Exclusive Powers: National government only (e.g., national defense).
Concurrent Powers: Shared by both (e.g., taxation).
Grants: National government influences states via funding:
- Categorical grants: Specific purposes and conditions.
- Block grants: Broader usage options, fewer strings.
Mandates: Requirements for states, sometimes unfunded (e.g., No Child Left Behind Act); historical example: desegregation enforcement.

The system prevents power concentration by distributing authority across branches and between national and state governments.