Constitution

Front

The system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other two branches.

Back

checks and balances

Front

the part of government that carries out, the laws

Back

executive

Front

the lawmaking part of government

Back

legislative

Front

The part of government that interprets the laws: legislative, executive, judicial, presidential

Back

judicial

Front

federalism

Back

the constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments

Front

judicial review

Back

the power of the Supreme Court to decide whether laws made by the other branches are unconstitutional

Front

A basic principle of democracy that says the greater number should exercise greater power.

Back

majority rule

Front

The idea that the government’s authority comes from the people

Back

popular sovereignty

Front

a key constitutional principle that divides the functions of government among three branches

Back

separation of power

Front

trade and other business dealings between two or more states

Back

interstate commerce