Popular Sovereignty
A government in which the people rule by their own consent.
Federalism
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
seperation of powers
dividing the powers of government among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
Checks and Balances
used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch
Veto
Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature
Impeach
To formally charge a public official with misconduct in office
Amendment
A change in, or addition to, a constitution or law
Virgina Plan
Supported by larger states and wanted seats based on population of states wanted a bicameral legislative branch
bicameral legislation
a lawmaking body made up of two chambers or parts
New Jersey Plan
A constitutional proposal that would have given each state one vote in a new congress
Great Compromise
1787; This compromise was between the large and small states of the colonies. The Great Compromise resolved that there would be representation by population in the House of Representatives, and equal representation would exist in the Senate. Each state, r
Three-Fifths Compromise
Agreement that each slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in the House for representation and taxation purposes (negated by the 13th amendment)
enumerated powers
Powers given to the national government alone
reserved powers
Powers given to the state government alone
concurrent powers
Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.
Override
An action taken by Congress to reverse a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
appropriate
To allocate funds for spending
constituent
a person whom a member of Congress has been elected to represent
Bill
a proposed law
standing committee
a permanent committee that meets regularly.
select committee
A temporary legislative committee established for a limited time period and for a special purpose.
joint committee
A committee composed of members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate; such committees oversee the Library of Congress and conduct investigations.
conference committee
Committee appointed by the presiding officers of each chamber to adjust differences on a particular bill passed by each in different form.
Cabinet
A group of advisers to the president.
Judicial review
Allows the court to determine the constitutionality of laws
Due process
following established legal procedures
Bill of rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution
Commander in cheif
President's role as commander of the armed forces
Cheif of state
term for the President as the ceremonial head of the United States, the symbol of all the people of the nation
District courts
Lowest level of fed. courts, where fed. cases begin &trials are held (bank robbery, environmental violations, tax evasion)
Appellate court
court that generally reviews only findings of law made by lower courts
Supreme Court
Consists of nine justices, each appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress. Appointment is for life. Supreme Court exercises the power to determine constitutionality of statutes
Amendment 1
Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Amendment 2
Right to bear arms
Amendment 3
No quartering of soldiers
Amendment 4
No unreasonable searches and seizures
Amendment 5
Rights of the accused
Amendment 6
Right to a speedy and public trial
Amendment 7
trial by jury in civil cases
Amendment 8
No cruel and unusual punishment
Amendment 9
People's rights are not limited to those in the Constitution.
Amendment 10
Any rights not given to federal government are given to the states and people.