The Three Branches
These are powers not written down but "suggested" as necessary.
Implied Powers
The level of government that handles local needs.
State Government
The plan of action the government uses to solve problems.
Public Policy
An action that breaks the rules of the Constitution.
Unconstitutional
The "big" federal government in Washington D.C.
National Government
These are things the government is strictly forbidden from doing.
Denied Powers
Powers shared by both levels (like taxes).
Concurrent Power
To formally approve a treaty or amendment.
Ratify
When the Court cancels an illegal law.
Judicial Review
A "two-house" legislature (House and Senate).
Bicameral
The rule that the Constitution is the #1 highest law.
Supremacy Clause
Powers kept only for the states (10th Amendment).
Reserved Powers
Charging an official with a crime to remove them.
Impeachment
When the President says "no" to a law.
Veto
The law-interpreting branch, also known as "The Courts"
Judicial Branch
The rule that lets Congress "stretch" its power, even if it's not specifically written down in the Constitution.
Elastic Clause
Powers clearly written in the Constitution.
Expressed Powers
Congress’s control over the "checkbook." (a phrase)
"power of the purse"
The system where branches limit each other.
Checks and Balances.
The law-enforcing Branch.
Executive Branch
The rule that protects state power from federal reach.
10th Amendment
Dividing power between National and State levels
Federalism
The President’s role as military leader.
Commander-in-Chief
Slicing government into three distinct parts.
Separation of Powers
The law-making Branch.
Legislative Branch