Vocabulary
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Checks and Balances
100

What is a "bill?"

a draft/idea for a law (that can become a law)

100
What is the job of the Legislative Branch?
to make the laws
100
How many years can someone be President?
eight years (two terms of four years each)
100
What is the name of the most important court in the country?
the Supreme Court
100

Who can congress impeach?

The President, judges, and justices

200
What does veto mean?
to say "no" to a bill; to reject
200
How many people are in the House of Representatives?
435
200
What is the job of the executive branch?
to make sure that the laws are enforced. ( To make sure people follow the law)
200
For how long can a person be a Supreme Court justice?
for life or until he or she retires
200

What can the judicial branch declare unconstitutional?

laws & presidential actions

300

what is judicial review?

the ability for the judicial branch to declare laws/acts unconstitutional

300

congress can override a presidential veto with this

a 2/3 vote

300

president FDR did this to better communicate with the average american

fireside chats

300

this serves as an example for future courts

precedent

300
What does the term "checks and balances" mean?
to make sure that all the laws and powers are fair so that one person or group cannot have all the power
400

what is a bully pullpit?

president's ability to use their authority to pressure congress into taking certain action by speaking to the public (a role that the president takes on)

400

which nomination receives the most pushback/difficulty?

supreme court justices/judges

400

what is the 2 step process of impeachment?

1. house brings charges of impeachment

2. senate tries the impeachment (decide if guilty/not guilty)

400

Justices decide to retire at a specific time that will be beneficial to them or the country

strategic retirement

400

Who decides who the justices on the Supreme Court are? (2 steps)

the President selects them and the Senate approves them

500

What is party polarization?

the division of ideas between political parties (causes a large division in congress)

500

the 4 factors that can affect the way congress functions

1. party polarization

2. US census

3. Gerrymandering

4. behaviors (trustee, delegate, politico)

500

the formal powers of the president

  1. Commander in chief

  2. Make treaties

  3. Approve or Veto a bill 

  4. Pardon felons

  5. Nominate federal officials

500

Justices evaluate laws and change laws when they make laws unconstitutional

legislating from the bench

500

How can the other 2 branches check the judicial branch?

Congress could make a new law or amendment & the executive branch could ignore/not enforce decisions

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