Legislative
This term describes the U.S. Congress because it is made up of two separate houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bicameral
According to the Constitution, a person must be at least this many years old to serve as President.
35
Unlike members of the other branches, Federal judges and Supreme Court justices are appointed for this length of time.
Life
This branch of government has the power to impeach the President or federal judges for high crimes.
Legislative
This individual is the leader of the House of Representatives and is third in the line of presidential succession.
Speaker of the House
Found in Article I, this is the primary job or responsibility of the Legislative Branch.
make the laws
This group consists of the 15 heads of executive departments who serve as the President’s top advisors.
Cabinet
This landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review.
Marbury v Madison
While the President has the power to appoint federal judges, this specific body must vote to confirm them.
Senate
In this specific house of Congress, representation is based strictly on the population of the state.
House of Representatives
This tactic is used specifically in the Senate to "talk a bill to death" and prevent a vote from happening.
Filibuster
The President uses this power to legally forgive someone for a crime, essentially wiping their record clean.
Pardon
This is the only level of the federal court system that uses a jury and hears from witnesses.
District Court
The Judicial Branch uses this power to declare that a law passed by Congress or an action by the President is unconstitutional.
Judicial Review
A judge who believes the Constitution should change and grow alongside modern society follows this philosophy.
Living Constitution
This clause allows Congress to stretch its delegated powers to meet the new or modern needs of the country.
Necessary and Proper Clause (elastic clause)
This specific amendment was passed to limit the President to serving only two terms in office.
22nd
When the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case, it issues this formal document to the lower court.
Writ of Certiorari
This is the name for a "Friend of the Court" brief filed by someone who is not a party to a case but wants to share their opinion.
Amicus Curiae
This is the formal body of electors that actually casts the votes to elect the President and Vice President.
If the President refuses to sign a bill, Congress can do this to the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
Override
This type of presidential directive has the force of law but does not require the approval of Congress.
Executive Order
This term refers to a previous court decision that serves as a standard or rule for all future similar cases.
Precedent
This amendment is a crucial "check" on government power, as it guarantees Due Process and fair treatment under the law.
5th Amendment
This written opinion is created by the justices on the "losing" side of a Supreme Court case to explain why they disagree with the majority.
Dissenting Opinion