Constitution
A document establishing the structure,
functions, and limitations of a
government.
Legislative Branch
Branch of government that makes the
laws; Congress: made up of the Senate
and House of Representatives
Executive Branch
Branch of government that enforces the
laws; President, Vice President; Cabinet
members
Judicial Branch
Branch of government that interprets
laws, punishes criminals, and settles
disputes between states; Supreme Court
Congress
made up of two houses: the House
of Representatives and the Senate.
House of Representatives
435 Members, based on
population of the state
Senate
100 members (two from
each state)
President
Chief Executive of the United States,
Head of State and Commander and Chief
of the US Armed Forces; elected every 4
Vice-President
Presiding officer in the Senate; he is the
first in line to take the place of the
president
Supreme Court
Highest court in the
country.
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
citizen
A person with certain rights and
responsibilities in his or her country or
community
alien
A resident of another country who is not
yet a citizen of the country where he/she
lives
delegate
A person appointed or
elected to represent others
constituent
A person represented by an
elected official.
Separation of Powers
The division of power among the
legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government
veto
Power of the President to reject
a bill passed by Congress.
Republicanism
A government where the power is in the
hands of the people, and they have the
right to elect their representatives.
Federalism
A system in which power is divided
between the national and state
governments
civil rights
Personal, human rights recognized and
guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution