Term
Definition
1
Federal System
A system that divided powers between the states and the federal government.
2
Representative Democracy
A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a
group of people.
3
Separation of Powers
The principle of vesting in separate branches: the executive, legislative, and
judicial powers of a government.
4
Constituent
Having the power to alter a political constitution or fundamental law.
5
Legislative Branch
The division of government that proposes bills and passes them into laws.
6
Executive Branch
The division of government that includes the president and administrative
departments; enforces the laws.
7
Judicial Branch
The division of government that is made up of the national courts.
8
Popular Sovereignty
A system which states that the authority of the government is sustained by the
consent of the people who elect representatives.
9
Bicameral
Having two legislative houses.
10
Confederation
An organization which consists of people who have made alliances.
11
Judicial Review
Review by the Supreme Court of whether a legislative act was constitutional or
not.
12
Judiciary Act of 1789
An act which established the federal judiciary of the United States.
13
Filibuster
Where members of a congress debate over a piece of legislation to delay a decision
on it.
14
Veto
To reject a proposal made by a legislative body.
15
Pocket Veto
An indirect veto by not signing a bill until its validity is removed.
16
Federalism
The belief system that power should be divided amongst the federal and state
governments.
17
Checks and Balances
A system put in place to ensure that no branch of the federal government would
have increased power over another.
18
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
19
Amendment
A change made to an official document (e.g. the U.S. Constitution).
20
Committee
A group of people elected to perform certain duties.