Civics Unit 3 Vocabulary flashcards

Front

The principle that divides government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches, ensuring no branch can dominate the others is called _________.

Back

separation of powers

Answer explanation

The principle that divides government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches is called separation of powers. This ensures that no single branch can dominate the others, maintaining a balance of power.

Front

Official responsibilities and tasks that government leaders are required to carry out as part of their position, such as enforcing laws, leading the military, or managing public services, are called _________.

Back

duties

Answer explanation

Official responsibilities of government leaders, such as enforcing laws and managing public services, are referred to as 'duties'. This term accurately describes the obligations they must fulfill in their roles.

Front

The specific roles and responsibilities that different bodies perform to ensure that the government systems run effectively are called _________.

Back

function

Answer explanation

The term 'function' refers to the specific roles and responsibilities that bodies perform in government systems, aligning with synonyms like duty and task. Other options like policy, structure, and law do not fit this definition.

Front

The lawmaking branch of government (Congress at the federal level), responsible for creating and passing laws, is called the _________ branch.

Back

legislative

Answer explanation

The lawmaking branch of government is called the legislative branch. It is responsible for creating and passing laws, which is the primary function of Congress at the federal level.

Front

The branch of government that enforces laws, headed by the President at the federal level and governors at the state level, is called the _________ branch.

Back

executive

Answer explanation

The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws. It is led by the President at the federal level and by governors at the state level, making 'executive' the correct answer.

Front

A system in which each branch of government has the ability to limit or influence the powers of the other branches to prevent abuse of authority is called _________?

Back

checks and balances

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'checks and balances' because it describes a system where each government branch can limit the powers of the others, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful.

Front

The power of the President or governor to reject a proposed law, which can often be overridden by the legislature, is called a _________?

Back

veto

Answer explanation

The power to reject a proposed law is known as a veto. This action can be overridden by the legislature, allowing them to pass the law despite the President's or governor's disapproval.

Front

The chamber of Congress where representation is based on state population, giving more populous states greater influence.

Back

House of Representatives

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives allocates seats based on state population, allowing more populous states to have greater representation and influence in Congress, unlike the Senate which has equal representation for all states.

Front

The chamber of Congress where each state has equal representation (2 senators), balancing the influence of large & small states.

Back

Senate

Answer explanation

The Senate is the chamber of Congress where each state is represented by two senators, ensuring equal representation regardless of state size, which balances the influence of both large and small states.

Front

The foundational legal document of the United States that established the framework, powers, and limits of government.

Back

Constitution

Answer explanation

The Constitution is the foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework, powers, and limits of government. The other options, like the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence, serve different purposes.