American Govt. Vocab 1 Flashcards
Limited government
Govt only has the powers listed in the constitution; each individual has rights the govt can’t take away
Representative government
The people elect officials to represent them in govt, make laws, etc.
Due process
requires laws to be applied fairly; no state can deny basic rights to citizens
Bicameral
2 house legislature
Unicameral
1 house legislature
Confederation
System of govt where the central govt has limited powers and most power is held by the states
Declaration of Independence
(July 4, 1776; Thomas Jefferson) Document declaring independence from Great Britain; founded the U.S.
Popular sovereignty
The idea that people are the source of govt’s authority
Articles of Confederation
First plan of govt for the U.S.
Ratification
Final approval of a document or Amendment
Executive agreement
Agreement made by Pres. of U.S. without need for approval by Senate
Electoral College
Body of people representing the states of the U.S. who cast votes for the election of the president + vice president
Expressed powers
Powers specifically listed in the Constit.
implied powers
powers ‘implied’ by expressed powers
inherent powers
powers that belong to the federal govt b/c they are a sovereign nation
reserved powers
anything not granted to fed. Govt in Constit.
concurrent powers
shared w/ fed govt
Supremacy Clause
Declares the Constitution as the Supreme law of the land; anytime a fed law + State laws conflict the fed. Govt law wins
