Government Unit 1 Part 1 vocab

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Legislative Power

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The power to make laws. In the United States, this power belongs to Congress, which writes, debates, and passes laws for the country.

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Executive Power

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The power to carry out and enforce laws. This power belongs to the President, Vice President, and executive departments.

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Judicial Power

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The power to interpret laws and decide whether laws are constitutional. This power belongs to the court system.

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Limited Government

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A system in which the government’s power is restricted by laws and a constitution. Government officials must obey the law just like citizens.

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Representative Government

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A system in which people elect leaders to make laws and decisions on their behalf.

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Bicameral

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A lawmaking body with two chambers. Congress is bicameral because it has the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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Popular Sovereignty

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The idea that the power of the government comes from the people. Citizens give the government authority through elections.

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Articles of Confederation

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The first constitution of the United States. It created a weak national government with most power held by the states.

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Ratification

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The formal approval of a constitution or amendment. For the Constitution, ratification required approval by nine states.

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Federalists

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People who supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They believed in a strong national government.