The Living Constitution

Question 1

Natural Law

Answer 1

God’s or nature’s law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law

Question 2

Separation of Powers

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Checks and Balances

Answer 3

Constitutional grant of powers that enables each of the three branches of government to check some acts of the others and therefore ensure that no branch can dominate

Question 4

Divided Government

Answer 4

Governance divided between the parties, especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress

Question 5

Direct Primary

Answer 5

Election in which voters choose party nominees

Question 6

Initiative

Answer 6

Procedure whereby a certain number of voters may, by petition, propose a law or constitutional amendment and have it submitted to the voters

Question 7

Referendum

Answer 7

Procedure for submitting to popular vote measures passed by the legislature or proposed amendments to a state constitution

Question 8

Recall

Answer 8

Procedure for submitting to population vote the removal of officials from office before the end of their term

Question 9

Judicial Review

Answer 9

The power of a court to refuse to enforce a law or a government regulation that in the opinion of the judges conflicts with the U.S. Constitution or, in a state court, the state constitution

Question 10

Writ of Mandamus

Answer 10

Court order directing an official to perform and official duty

Question 11

Impeachment

Answer 11

Formal accusation by the lower house of legislature against a public official, the first step in removal from office

Question 12

Executive Order

Answer 12

Directive issued by a president or governor that has the force of law

Question 13

Executive Privilege

Answer 13

The power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security

Question 14

Impoundment

Answer 14

Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds that Congress authorized and appropriated

Question 15

Marbury v Madison

Answer 15

Court case establishing judicial review after a court justice (Marbury) was withheld his position as a justice after a new secretary of state took office