Ch. 3 Flashcards
limited government
principle that the powers and functions of govt. are restricted by the U.S. Constitutions and other laws
rule of law
concept that every member of society, also the ruler or govt, must obey the law and is never above it
Separation of powers
The duties of governing divided into three branches, legislative, executive, judicial
Checks and balances
The system that gives each branch of government the power to change or cancel acts of another branch
Veto
Reject
Judicial review
Power to determine whether the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government are constitutional
Unconstitutional
Any law or government action that is found to violate a part of the Constitution
Federalism
The powers of government are distributed between the national government and the state governments
Supremacy clause
Declares that the constitution together with US laws passed under the Constitution and treaties made by the national government is the supreme law of the land
Super majority
A majority such as 3/5, two thirds, or three fourths that is larger than a simple majority. Congress passes laws by simple majority
Repeal
To cancel revoke a law by a legislative act
Executive agreements
Arrangements or compacts with foreign leaders or foreign governments even though this power is found nowhere in the Constitution’s text
Political party
Organized group that seeks to win elections in order to influence the activities of government.
Cabinet
Group of advisers consisting of the heads of the executive departments
Gridlock
Inability to govern effectively due to separation of powers
