Government and Constitutional Principles

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 executes or carries out the laws.

Back

Executive Branch

Front

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

Back

Federalism

Front

An organization that actively promotes the view of some part of the public on specific issues to influence government policy.

Back

Interest Group

Front

Trade and other business dealings between two or more states.

Back

Interstate Commerce

Front

The part of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, that interprets the laws.

Back

Judicial Branch

Front

The power of the Supreme Court to decide whether laws and acts made by the legislative and executive branches are unconstitutional.

Back

Judicial Review

Front

The lawmaking part of government, called the legislature. To legislate is to make a law.

Back

Legislative Branch

Front

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

Back

Popular Sovereignty

Front

A basic principle of democracy that says laws are passed by majority vote and elections are decided by a majority of the voters.

Back

Majority Rule