Unit 4 Vocabulary - Branches of Government

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Bicameral

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Two chambers of Congress: one with equal representation and the other with proportionate representation.

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Article I (1)

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Legislative Branch; U.S. Congress makes the laws for the United States; Sets up bicameral legislature.

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Article II (2)

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Executive Branch; President, Vice President, Cabinet, and Executive Departments & Agencies carry out the laws made by Congress.

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Article III (3)

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Judicial Branch; Supreme Court rules on cases according to the U.S. Constitution.

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Electoral College

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The body of electors chosen from each state to elect the president and vice president of the U.S.; electors can cast their vote on the people’s behalf.

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Judicial Review

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Courts have the authority to determine the legitimacy of the acts of the executive and legislative branches of government.

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Separation of Powers

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Idea that prevents one person or group from having too much control over the government.

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Checks & Balances

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Idea that allows different branches of government to limit the power of other branches.

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Federalist No. 51

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Written by Madison, focuses on the importance of not only each branch having powers independent from the others, but also having the ability to check the other two branches.

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Veto

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The power of one branch to cancel or postpone the decisions, enactments, etc., of another branch.