Unit 3 - How our government works
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1.
3 Branches of
Government
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
2.
"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.
3.
Congress
Legislative Branch
4.
Divided
When the president is from one political party and one or both houses of Congress are controlled by the opposing
political party
5.
Executive
Branch of government that enforces the laws
6.
Federal
Government
National government
7.
Governor
The elected leader of a state's government
8.
House of
Representatives
One of the two parts of Congress, considered the "lower house." Representatives are elected directly by the people,
with the number of representatives for each state determined by the state's population--has the power to impeach
9.
Judicial
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional
10.
Legislative
Branch of government that passes laws
11.
Majority
The candidate or party that wins more than half the votes cast in an election.
12.
Minority
The candidate or party that wins less than half the votes cast in an election
13.
Power
Influence over a government's leadership, organization, or policies.
14.
Senate
100 members, 2 members for each state. Members are elected every 6 years. The Vice President is the head of this
body.
15.
Separation of
Powers
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch
making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law
16.
State
Government
The organization through which political authority is exercised at the state level, government of a specific state
17.
Supreme Court
Justice
This person is appointed by the President and goes in front of the Senate for approval.