Glossary
Bicameral
A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses.
Example:
The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature, featuring both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bill
A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration.
Example:
Before it can become law, a bill to fund national parks must be introduced and passed by both chambers of Congress.
Cabinet
A group of advisors to the President, typically consisting of the heads of the executive departments.
Example:
The Secretary of State, a member of the Cabinet, advises the President on foreign policy matters.
Checks and Balances
A system designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful by giving each branch powers to limit the actions of the others.
Example:
The President's power to veto a bill passed by Congress is a classic example of Checks and Balances in action.
Constitutional Amendment
A formal change or addition to the U.S. Constitution, requiring a rigorous ratification process.
Example:
Congress can propose a Constitutional Amendment to overturn a Supreme Court decision, though this is a rare occurrence.
Executive Agencies
Organizations within the Executive Branch that carry out specific functions to implement and enforce laws.
Example:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an Executive Agency responsible for ensuring the safety of food and drugs.
Executive Branch
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and implementing policies, headed by the President.
Example:
After Congress passes a new environmental protection law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), part of the Executive Branch, would be tasked with ensuring its regulations are followed.
House of Representatives
The lower chamber of the U.S. Congress, consisting of 435 members whose representation is based on each state's population.
Example:
All revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives, reflecting its direct connection to the people.
Impeachment
The process by which a legislative body formally charges a high-ranking government official, such as the President or a federal judge, with misconduct.
Example:
The House of Representatives has the power to initiate Impeachment proceedings against a President for 'high crimes and misdemeanors'.
Judicial Branch
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and the Constitution, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
Example:
If a state law is challenged as violating free speech, the Judicial Branch would determine its constitutionality.
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts to determine whether a law or government action violates the Constitution.
Example:
In a landmark case, the Supreme Court exercised Judicial Review to strike down a state law that infringed on civil liberties.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government responsible for creating laws, primarily composed of the U.S. Congress.
Example:
When citizens want to see a new law passed, like one requiring safer car seats, they would typically lobby members of the Legislative Branch.
Policy
Guidelines or rules set by the government to achieve specific goals or address societal issues.
Example:
A city council might implement a new policy to reduce plastic waste by banning single-use plastic bags in grocery stores.
Precedent
A legal principle or rule established by a previous court decision that is then followed by other courts in similar cases.
Example:
The ruling in Miranda v. Arizona set a precedent requiring law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights before questioning.
President
The head of the Executive Branch, serving as both head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Example:
The President often uses executive orders to direct federal agencies on how to implement existing laws.
Senate
The upper chamber of the U.S. Congress, consisting of 100 members with two representatives from each state, regardless of population.
Example:
The Senate has the unique power to approve presidential appointments, such as Supreme Court justices.
Supreme Court
The highest court in the federal judiciary, serving as the final arbiter of legal disputes and constitutional questions.
Example:
The Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education fundamentally changed racial segregation laws in the United States.
Veto
The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.
Example:
The President decided to veto the new tax reform bill, sending it back to Congress for reconsideration.
Veto Override
The power of Congress to pass a bill into law despite a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.
Example:
After the President's veto, Congress successfully achieved a Veto Override on the defense spending bill, making it law.