1.
Branches of government: the government is divided into three parts, each with separate powers
2.
Checks and balances: The Constitution gives each branch controls or "checks" over the other two branches
3.
Congress: the lawmaking body made up of two parts, the Senate and the House of Representatives
4.
Constitution: the document that explains the organization and laws of our government
5.
Constitutional Convention: the meeting at which the Constitution was written and signed
6.
Executive: the branch of government that enforces or carries out the laws
7.
Federal government: the national government, located in Washington, D.C.
8.
Judicial: the branch of government that decides the meaning of laws
9.
Legislative: the branch of government that makes the laws
10.
Local governments: these smaller forms of government, which are located in cities and towns are responsible for rules and services in their communities
11.
President: He leads the country, signs or vetoes laws and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces
12.
Representative government: The government officials are elected to represent the interests of the people.
13.
Separation of powers: Each branch of the government has its own work to do with its own distinct powers
14.
State governments: Establish schools and make rules, provide safety, make laws concerning health, welfare, and licenses.
15.
Supreme Court: the highest court in the country; its decisions cannot be appealed to any other court
16.
the rule of law: every person must follow the laws and the Constitution
