separation of powers
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law
legislative branch
Branch of government that makes the laws
executive branch
Branch of government that enforces the laws
president
Chief Executive of the United States, Head of State and Commander and Chief of the US Armed Forces. The President of the United States is elected every 4 years, by the Electoral College. Signs or veto's bills passed to them by Congress.
judicial branch
A branch of the system of checks and balances that interprets Congressional laws
judge
A person chosen to interpret laws, decide on a winner, or settle a controversy
unconstitutional
Contrary to what is permitted by the constitution
constitutional
permitted by the constitution
veto
Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature
override
An action taken by Congress to reverse a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
checks and balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
civics
The study of the rights and duties of citizens
Congress
Has the power to ratify treaties and delcare war, and the powere to make laws.
Constitution
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society