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3 branches of gov't
3 branches of gov't and Preamble + Constitution
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Preamble | This lists the purpose of our new improved government, well beyond the scope of the Articles of Confederation |
| separation of powers | abuses are prevented if we spread power out to 3 branches that can check each other |
| federalism | You can have more of a say in government with 3 different levels to contact |
| written constitution | When you write it, you can review it, and possibly improve the process over time |
| electoral college | a system that allows for indirect voting for the President: your votes are considered by the electors from your state. They SHOULD follow the popular vote, but it is not always the case in a really close election. |
| more perfect union | not a perfect government, but one that listens to the people: strong enough without being overpowering |
| establish justice | fairness through courts and law enforcement |
| domestic tranquility | keeping the peace at home |
| common defense | the use of armed forces to keep us safe |
| general welfare | sometimes we set up programs for those in need in order to make society run more smoothly (programs could help the rich, the poor, and middle class) |
| blessings of liberty | Not every country allows its citizens the choices that we have concerning the lives we would like to live |
| rule of law | It is important to write rules down and even the leaders need to follow them |
| limited government | We have to make sure our government can be slowed or stopped if they are not working to protect the rights of the American public. |
| Supreme Court | The Highest court in the land |
| Federal district court | 94 of these across the country: they handle federal cases before they might reach the Supreme Court |
| Federal court of appeals | These 13 courts review the decisions made at lower level state courts, and decide if more action needs to be taken |
| Cabinet | advisors to the President and Vice President |
| war | can only be declared by the legislative branch |
| elastic clause | being able to stretch the powers beyond the literal words of the Constitution |
| approval | the legislative branch must approve of nominees by the President, and treaties as well |
| Vice President | tie breaker in the Senate if the votes are 50 to 50. |
| 2 | length of term for a Member of the House |
| 6 | length of term for a Senator |
| 4 | length of term for a President |
| 9 | number of Supreme Court Justices (8 associates +1 chief justice) |
| delegated | powers just for the federal government |
| concurrent | powers granted to both the federal government and the state governments |
| reserved | powers set aside for states only |
| checks and balances | When one branch can slow or stop another from acting in a way that hurts the American people (i.e. a veto stops a bad bill, and override prevents a good bill from being stopped by one person, even if it is the President) |
| legislative | writes the law |
| executive | carries out or enforces the law |
| judicial | this group examines the law to make sure it matches the constitution (judicial review) |
| pardon | to excuse someone from wrongdoing. This is a power of the President |
| executive order | strength of a law, but issued only by the President |
| impeachment | removing someone from office for committing crimes (executive or judicial) |
| apportionment | planned distribution in the House. If one state's population shrinks, it could lose a Representative to another state that is still growing. Maximum number=435 |
| tariff | tax on foreign goods: this is the responsibility of the legislative branch |
Created by:
johnbacolor
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