7th Grade Social Studies: Government - Terms

Question 1

It is a method of indirectly electing a president and vice president by a delegation (group) of electors from each state. The number of electors each state has is equal to the
number of Senators and House members the state has in
Congress.

Answer 1

Electoral College

Question 2

The branch of government, headed by the president which carries out the laws of the land.

Answer 2

Executive Branch

Question 3

The power of the president to reject a bill passed by
Congress in order to prevent or delay it from becoming a
law. It can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of Congress.

Answer 3

Veto

Question 4

Philosophy that within the Constitution each of the three branches of government is able to check the power of the other to ensure that there is an equal balance of power.

Answer 4

Checks and Balances

Question 5

The belief that government power is restricted and individual’s rights are protected.

Answer 5

Limited Government

Question 6

A democracy in which the supreme power lies with the citizens who vote for officials and representatives responsible to them.

Answer 6

Republic

Question 7

The idea created by the Marbury v. Madison court case that stated the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional.

Answer 7

Judicial Reveiw

Question 8

A Latin phrase meaning, “you shall have the body.” In legal terms, it gives the accused the right to due process of law. It requires a judge to evaluate whether there is enough reason for keeping a person in jail.

Answer 8

Habeas Corpus

Question 9

People who favored the adoption (approval) of the Constitution. Supporters of a strong national government, as described in the Constitution.

Answer 9

Federalists

Question 10

Political theory that the government is subject to the will of the people (“People Power”). The idea that the power to govern (rule) belongs to the people and that the government must be based on the consent (approval) of the people.

Answer 10

Popular Sovereignty

Question 11

The heads of executive departments of the U.S. government who advise the president. First created by George
Washington, it is an example of “unwritten constitution.”

Answer 11

Cabinet

Question 12

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws; the court system.

Answer 12

Judicial Branch

Question 13

Founding Fathers of the Constitution. People who were delegates (representatives) to the Constitutional Convention and took part in framing or drafting the proposed Constitution.

Answer 13

Framers

Question 14

The powers that both federal (national) and state governments have.

Answer 14

Concurrent Powers

Question 15

A plan, often written, that details the rules, functions, and principles of a government.

Answer 15

Constitution

Question 16

A formal addition or change to a law or constitution.

Answer 16

Amendment

Question 17

The clause (section) of the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws as necessary to carry out its
authorized powers; also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Answer 17

Elastic Clause

Question 18

Those who opposed (argued against) the adoption (approval) of the Constitution.

Answer 18

Anti - Federalists

Question 19

The division of a government’s executive, legislative, and judicial powers into three separate branches.

Answer 19

Separation of Powers

Question 20

The branch of government responsible for making laws; Congress.

Answer 20

Legislative Branch

Question 21

The policies and practices of government that are not specifically created by the Constitution, but based on custom.

Answer 21

Unwritten Constitution

Question 22

The powers that the Constitution sets aside for the state governments.

Answer 22

Reserved Powers

Question 23

A process of bringing formal charges of misconduct (misbehavior) against a public official for the purpose of
removing the official from office.

Answer 23

Impeach

Question 24

The powers that are specifically granted to the federal (national) government by the Constitution.

Answer 24

Delegated Powers

Question 25

Principle in the Constitution that provides a person accused of a crime with procedures guaranteeing a fair trial. The federal and state government must not deprive an individual of life, liberty, or property by unfair or unreasonable actions.

Answer 25

Due Process (of Law)

Question 26

A form of government that divides power between the national and state governments.

Answer 26

Federalism.

Question 27

The type of government in which the ruler’s power is hereditary (inherited; born into).

Answer 27

Monarchy

Question 28

A political system in which a weak central government has limited authority, and the states have ultimate power.

Answer 28

Confederacy/
Confederation

Question 29

A system of government in which the people rule directly through elected representatives.

Answer 29

Democracy