US Government Flashcards
(20 cards)
Articles of Confederation
First US Constitution that established a “league of friendship” among the 13 states that preserved power and independence
US Constitution
“We the People”
Document defining the branches of government and the rights of citizens. Also called the Supreme Law of the Land
Executive Branch
Consists of the President (ruler), vice president (deputy), and the Cabinet (advisors).
Enforces laws by the Congress.
Legislative Branch
Consists of the Congress (Senate, House of Representatives).
Creates laws, declares war, controls taxing and spending policies.
Judicial Branch
Consists of the Supreme Court and the Federal Judicial Center.
Evaluates laws by interpreting meaning, applying them to cases, and seeing if they violate the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments in the Constitution. Lists citizen’s rights, like freedom of speech, press, and religion.
Preamble
Introduces the Constitution and states the reasons why the document was written. It is NOT the law and does NOT define the government or individual rights.
amendment
An alteration or addition to a text to improve it. In this case, an addition or alteration to the US Constitution.
articles
Describes government structure and operation in the US Constitution.
posterity
Future generations, like children or great-grandchildren.
precedent
Something similar that had happened before.
Something done or said previously that justifies a similar act.
judicial review
Authority given to the Supreme Court to interpret the government’s actions and determine if they align with the Constitution.
veto
To officially refuse to approve of something, in this case, a law.
ratify
To make something official, especially by signing a treaty, contract, etc.
compromise
An agreement in which the people involved give up or change something to end an argument.
Federalist
Someone who supported the ratification of the Constitution and wanted a strong central government.
Anti-Federalist
Someone who opposed ratification of the Constitution because the central government would be too powerful, resulting in the lack of individual rights.
bicameral
Consisting of two chambers
In government, a legislative branch having two chambers
electoral college
A body of electors representing the states who vote for President and Vice President (says Britannica)
A process in which representatives of the states vote for the President and Vice President (says National Archive)
popular sovereignty
Doctrine where people define the government and the government is based on people’s consent.
