Principles of Government Vocab Flashcards
Popular Sovereignty
The governments’ right to rule comes from the people
Limited Government
The government has only the powers that the Constitution gives to it
Separation of Powers
The Constitution divides the government into 3 branches
Checks and Balances
Each branch has the power to check or limit the actions of the other two
Federalism
Division of power between the Federal government and the states
Republicanism
Citizens elect representatives to carry out their will
Individual Rights
The Constitution protects individual rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc.
Legislative Branch
Writes and makes laws. Is made up of Congress: Senate and House of Representatives
Executive Branch
Carries out and enforces the law and makes sure laws are obeyed. Is made up of the President, cabinet, and individual government agencies
Judicial Branch
Makes sure laws are carried out fairly. Interprets and shapes laws. Made up of courts, US Supreme Court, district courts, appeals court
Veto
Reject laws
Constitution
Written plans of government
Compromise
Agreement in which sides give up something in order to gain something more important
Senate
Upper house. Made up of two senators
House of Representatives
Lower House. Based on population
