US Government Key Terms: Enlightenment Writings

Front

What is the Declaration of Independence?

Back

A historical document declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from British rule.

Front

Separation of powers refers to:

Back

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Front

Federalism

Back

A system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Front

Judicial review

Back

The power of courts to interpret the constitutionality of laws.

Front

What is the Legislative branch of government called?

Back

The Congress

Front

The Executive branch of government is:

Back

Responsible for enforcing laws

Front

The Judiciary branch of government is:

Back

Responsible for interpreting laws

Front

Checks and balances

Back

Checks and balances is a system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.

Front

Separation of powers

Back

A principle where the government is divided into branches, each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility.

Front

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between:

Back

a central authority and constituent political units