All Flashcards
What is 'Policy'?
Rules set by the government to achieve specific goals.
What is the Legislative Branch?
The branch of government that makes laws.
What is the Executive Branch?
The branch of government that enforces laws.
What is the Judicial Branch?
The branch of government that interprets laws.
What does 'bicameral' mean?
Having two chambers, like the U.S. Congress.
What is 'Judicial Review'?
The power to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is a 'veto'?
The power of the President to reject a law passed by Congress.
Define 'checks and balances'.
A system designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What is 'impeachment'?
The process by which a legislative body formally levels charges against a high official of government.
What is a 'legal precedent'?
A principle or rule established in a prior legal case that is either binding on or persuasive for a court when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts.
What is the effect of a presidential veto?
Cause: President vetoes a bill, Effect: Bill does not become law unless Congress overrides.
What is the effect of judicial review?
Cause: Law is challenged, Effect: Supreme Court can declare it unconstitutional.
What are the differences between the Senate and the House?
Senate: Equal representation, 100 members | House: Population-based, 435 members
What are the differences between law creation and law interpretation?
Law creation: Congress makes laws | Law interpretation: Judiciary interprets laws