Vocab #2 Flashcards
(21 cards)
House of Representatives
The lower chamber of the united states congress, it has the sole power to initiate revenue bills and can impeach federal officials.
U.S. Senate
The upper chamber of Congress; it gives advice and consent, it serves as a court of impeachment, and it has equal say with the House in all legislation.
Amendment
A formal change or addition to the constitution, allowing for adjustments to original document to reflect evolving needs and societal changes.
Popular Sovereignty
The power of government comes from the will of the people
(the government exists based on the “consent of the governed”)
Separation of Powers
Dividing government into the three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Checks and Balances
A system where each branch of government has the power to limit/control the actions of the other branches, preventing either one from getting too powerful.
Federalism
A system where power is divided and shared between the national government and state governments.
Judicial Review
The power of a court to declare a law or action taken by the government as unconstitutional.
Limited Government
Governments power is restricted by law and individuals have certain rights that the government cannot infringe upon.
Supremacy Clause
Establishes the constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the “supreme law of the land”, meaning they take presidence over any conflicting state laws.
Budget
A plan that outlines a governments projected income and proposed expenditures for a specific period, this reflects the priorities of the governing body.
Expressed powers
Powers of the national government that are explicitly stated in the constitution.
Filibuster
A tactic where senators prolong debate on a bill by delaying or preventing a vote on the legislation.
Speaker of the House
The presiding officer of the house of representatives.
Senate Majority Leader
The leading member of the Senate, responsible for steering their parties bills through the chamber, controlling the flow of legislation, and generally guiding the agenda of the Senate floor
Implied Powers
Powers not stated in the Constitution but are considered necessary for the government to carry out its powers.
Advice and Consent
The power of the Senate to review and approve/reject treaties negotiated by the president, as well as confirm/reject presidential nominees for federal government positions
Concurrent Powers
Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments
Elastic Clause/Necessary & Proper Clause
The Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws that are “necessary and proper” to carry out its powers.
Treaty
A binding agreement between two or more independent nations, established with the view of promoting public welfare.
Commerce
Buying, selling, and exchange of goods/services between individuals, businesses, or nations.
