AP Exam Ch 2 Flashcards
Constitutional division of powers between exec., legis., and judic. branches
Legislative: makes the law (can make amendments to Constitution)
Judiciary: interprets the law (and Constitution)
Executive: applies and enforces the law.
Separation of powers
Constitutional grant of powers that enables each of the three branches of government to check some acts of the others and therefore ensure that no branch can dominate
Checks and balances
Governance divided between the parties, especially when one holds presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress
Divided government
Election in which voters choose party nominees
Direct primary
Procedure whereby a certain number of voters may propose a law or constitutional amendment and have it submitted to the voters
Initiative
Procedure for submitting to popular vote measures passed by the legislature or proposed amendments to a state constitution
Referendum
Procedure for submitting to popular vote the removal of officials from office before the end of their term
Recall
God’s or nature’s law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law
Natural law
Marbury v. Madison
Basis for exercise of judicial review
See oyez
The power of a court to refuse to enforce a law or a government regulation that in the opinion of the judges conflicts with the US constitution or the state constitution (in a state court)
Judicial review
Court order directing an official to perform an official duty
Writ of mandamus
Formal accusation by the lower house of legislature against a public official, the first step in removal from office
Impeachment
Directive issued by a president or governor that has the force of law
Executive order
The power to keep executive communication confidential
Executive privilege
Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds that congress authorized and appropriated
Impoundment
