| Popular Sovereignty | People recognized as the sole source of authority for governemnt |
| Limtied Governvernment | Gov.t is restricted in what it may do, individuals has rights that gov.t cannot take away |
| State Constitution | Fundamental or Basic laws of each state which may not be easily changed |
| Initiative | A process in which a certain number of qualified voters sign petitions in favor of a proposal |
| Statutory Law | Law passed by the legistlature |
| Police Power | Power to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. |
| Referendum | Legislative measure referred to state's voters for final approval ot rejection. |
| Legislator Qualifications | Citizenship, Residence, Age--Reps. 21 Sen. 25 -- Elected by pop. vote--Term, 2 to 4 yrs |
| Recall | Voters may remove an elected official from office before completion of his or her regular term |
| Item Veto | Governor may veto one or more items in a bill without rejecting the entire measure |
| Pardon | Release from punishment or legal consequences of a crime, the President or governor |
| Precedent | Court decision that stands as an example to be followed in future, similar cases |
| Clemenency | MERCY and LENIENCY granted to an offender by a chief executive |
| Unicameral | One house in legislature or legislative body with one chamber |
| Bicameral | Legislative body with two chambers |
| County | Major unit of local gov't in each state |
| General Assembly | Legislative branch made up of Senate and House of Delegates |
| Reprieve | POSTPONMENT of an execution of a sentence |
| Commutation | Power to REDUCE the length of a sentence or fine for a crime |
| Home Rule | Demand that constituent parts of a state be given sel-government |
| Board of Supervisors | Elected governing body within a particular county |
| Lieutenant Governor | President of the senate |
| School Board | Elected governing body who manages a school district |
| Bureaucracy | Large complex administrative structure that handles business of a coutny government |
| Secretary of State | Chief clerk and record keeper of the State |
| Governor | Executive officer in each state |
| Attorney General | Chief LEGAL officer |
| Parole | Releases a prisoner before the end of his term or sentence |