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Unit 3 DIA

Terms in this set (30)

Federalism
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
Checks and balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Articles of Confederation
1st Constitution of the U.S. (weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)
Congress
the legislature of the United States government made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate
Executive Branch
Branch of government that enforces the laws (President)
Legislative Branch
the branch of government that makes the laws
Judicial Branch
The branch of government that interprets laws; Supreme Court
Veto
President's power to reject a bill passed by the Legislative Branch
bill
a proposed law introduced by a member of congress
Who appoints Supreme Court justices?
the President appoints; the Senate must confirm (approve)
Who can override a presidential veto?
Legislative Branch (Congress) with 2/3 vote of each house
What is the main purpose of the preamble?
To express the goals of the Constitution
Why did the Founding Fathers not include an executive branch under the Articles of Confederation?
They were afraid an executive (president) would abuse his power and the people would lose their liberties (freedoms)
What are the goals of the preamble?
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power resides in the people. (We the People)
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