Name: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________ Per.: _______
Civics Definition Depot – Chapter 5- Legislative Branch
Directions: Based on the words provided for each chapter, complete your “Definition Depot” and keep a running log of all the Civics words and concepts for the
year! Each definition should come from the textbook using the page provided or from online. Using a thesaurus, your brain, help from a parent identify at
least one synonym (words that mean the same thing) for each term OR provide a colored illustration that shows that you understand the meaning of the term.
Finally, write a sentence using the term that makes sense and demonstrates your understanding of the word.
Chapter 5.1
Word/Pg. #
Legislative
branch p.94
Definition
Synonym OR Ill
Definition
Synonym OR Ill.
Sentence
Checks and
balances
p.96
Bicameral
legislature
p. 136
Chapter 5.2
Word/Pg. #
President pro
tempore
p. 141
Speaker of
House
p. 142
Majority Leader
Leader of the political party with the majority
of the members
Sentence
Word/Pg. #
Definition
Minority Leader Leader of the political party with the fewer
number of members
Majority vote
More than half the votes
Standing
committee
p. 149
Special
committee
a committee that is formed to examine and
report on a specific bill or issue.
Conference
committee
A temporary committee, composed of House
and Senate conferees which is formed for the
purpose of reconciling differences in
legislation that has passed both chambers.
Chapter 5.3
Delegated
powers
pgs.90 &202
Also known as
expressed and
enumerated
powers
Implied Powers
p.144
Elastic clause
p. 144
(necessary and
proper clause)
Synonym OR Ill.
Sentence
Word/Pg. #
Definition
Concurrent
powers
pgs. 91,203
Impeach
pgs. 144
Ex post facto
laws
p. 146
Writ of habeas
corpus
p. 146
Chapter 5.4
Bill
p. 148
Act
p. 148
Filibuster
p.150
Veto
p. 152
Foreign
Relations
How the United States interacts with other
countries headed by the State department
Synonym OR Ill.
Sentence