Category 1: Branch Basics
This branch makes laws.
Legislative Branch
This Article of the Constitution describes Congress.
Article I
Congress has the power to create these for the country.
Laws
The President can stop a bill from becoming law by doing this.
Vetoing a bill
A proposed law is called this before it becomes a law.
A bill
A federal judge decides whether a law violates the Constitution.
Judicial branch
This branch enforces laws and includes the President.
Executive Branch
This branch (and Article) includes federal courts and judges.
Judicial branch (Article III)
This part of Congress introduces and votes on bills first.
the House of Representatives
Congress can override a president’s veto with this fraction of votes.
Two-thirds vote
The steps a bill goes through to become a law are called the ___ process.
The lawmaking process
The President signs a bill passed by Congress.
Executive branch
This branch interprets laws and includes the Supreme Court.
Judicial Branch
This branch (and Article) includes the Senate and House of Representatives.
Legislative branch (Article I)
This part of Congress approves presidential appointments and treaties.
the Senate
The Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional using this power.
Judicial review
The Senate’s role in approving presidential appointments is called this.
Confirmation process
Congress passes a law, and the Supreme Court later strikes it down.
Checks and balances
The U.S. Constitution created this system so no branch becomes too powerful.
Separation of Powers
This Article of the Constitution describes the federal court system.
Article III
The Senate and House must both pass a bill before it can go here.
the President
The Senate checks the President by approving or rejecting these.
Appointments (or nominations)
When the Senate approves treaties and some appointments, it is giving this.
Approval, advice, or consent (all means the same)
The President nominates a Supreme Court justice, but the Senate votes “no.”
Approval, advice, consent (or the confirmation process)
This principle allows each branch to limit the power of the other branches.
Checks and balances
This Article of the Constitution describes the President and executive powers.
Article II
This power allows Congress to remove a president or federal judge for serious misconduct.
Impeachment
The House checks the President by bringing these charges in an impeachment.
Articles of impeachment
This process removes a federal official after the House impeaches and the Senate holds a trial.
Impeachment process
The House impeaches the President, and the Senate holds the trial.
Impeachment process