UN2 Vocab

Preamble

• the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law

Amendment

• a formal revision or addition to the US Constitution

Federalism

• the distribution of power in an organization (such as a government) between a central authority and the constituent

Separation of Powers

• The 3 branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) are kept separate.

Checks and Balances

• provides each branch of government with individual powers to check the other branches and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

Legislative Branch

• made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the Congress
• makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies.

Executive Branch

• the President, his or her advisors and various departments and agencies. This branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land.

Judicial Branch

• in charge of deciding the meaning of laws, how to apply them to real situations, and whether a law breaks the rules of the Constitution

Bill of Rights

• the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution

Ratification

• the act or process of ratifying something (such as a treaty or amendment) : formal confirmation or sanction

State Powers

• ownership of property. education of inhabitants. implementation of welfare and other benefits programs and distribution of aid. protecting people from local threats.

State Powers

• ownership of property. education of inhabitants. implementation of welfare and other benefits programs and distribution of aid. protecting people from local threats.

National Powers

• Make money Declare war Manage foreign relations Oversee trade between states and with other countries

Concurrent Powers

• powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments

Supremacy Clause

• prohibits states from interfering with the federal government's exercise of its constitutional powers

Judicial Review

• a process under which a government's executive, legislative, or administrative actions are subject to review by the judiciary