Lesson 1 & 2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the Legislative Branch?
The branch of government responsible for making laws. In the United States, it consists of the Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is the Executive Branch?
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws. It is headed by the President and includes the Vice President and the Cabinet.
What is the Judicial Branch?
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. It includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
What is Federalism?
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states.
What are Checks and Balances?
A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
What is a Federal System?
A form of government in which power is shared between a central government and individual states or provinces.
What does it mean to Impeach?
To charge a government official with misconduct. In the United States, the House of Representatives can impeach the President, and the Senate conducts the trial.
What is a Veto?
The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.
What are Executive Orders?
Directives issued by the President that have the force of law without requiring approval from Congress.
What is a Pardon?
The act of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense. In the context of government, it refers to the President’s power to forgive a person convicted of a crime, effectively eliminating the punishment.
