Congress
The legislative body of the U.S. government, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making laws in the United States.
fusion of powers
A situation in which one branch of government has some of the powers typically controlled by another branch.
parliament
The political group or assembly that has power to make laws for a country.
parliamentary democracy
A democratic government where the legislature controls power through its ability to select the chief executive.
president
The title typically given to the chief executive and head of government in a presidential democracy.
presidential democracy
A democratic government where the head of government is elected by citizens, holds power as head of the executive branch, and is separate from the legislative branch.
prime minister
The title given to the chief executive and head of government in many parliamentary democracies.
separation of powers
The division of power between different branches of government to ensure that no one branch can gain too much control in government.