1.5 Gov Vocab

Popular Sovereignty

A government in which the people rule bytheir own consent.

Proposal of an Amendment

2/3 of each house of Congress or 2/3 of the states can propose an amendment

Ratification

The Constitutional process by which thestates must approve amendments to theConstitution. Three-quarters of the statesmust approve an amendment before it isratified and officially becomes part of theConstitution.

Ratification of an Amendment

3/4 of the states must ratify an amendment

Recall

procedure whereby voters can remove anelected official from office

Referendum

process by which people vote directly on abill

RepublicanDemocracy

Format chosen by Founding Fathers. Peoplevote for representatives who then makelaws. People do not vote directly onlegislation.

Republicanism

A philosophy of limited government withelected representatives serving at the will ofthe people. The government is based onconsent of the governed.

reserved powers

belong to the states and the people;Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states. Granted by the 10th Amendment.

Separation of Powers

The division of power of the government among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny.