Government 3 Vocab
Cabinet
A group of advisers consisting of the heads of the executive departments
Supermajority
A majority larger than a simple majority—such as 3/5, 2/3, or 3/4
Political Party
An organized group that seeks to win elections in order to influence the activities of government
Unconstitutional
Any law or government action that is found to violate a part of the Constitution
Executive agreements
Arrangements or compacts with foreign leaders or foreign governments; not found anywhere in the Constitution, but assumed from other executive powers
Rule of law
Every member of society must obey the law and is never above it
Supremacy clause
The Constitution, the laws passed under the Constitution, and treaties made by the national government are the supreme law of the land
Judicial review
The Court's power to determine whether the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government are constitutional
Veto
The President's power to reject legislation
Electoral college
The body of 538 people elected from the 50 states and the District of Columbia who elect the President and Vice President
Separation of powers
The duties of governing are divided among 3 branches: legislative, executive, and judicial;the first 3 articles of the Constitution list the responsibilities and powers of each
Gridlock
The inability to govern effectively due to separation of powers (e.g. when Congress and the President blame one another when they can't get things done
Limited government
The powers and functions of government are restricted by the Constitution and other laws
Federalism
The powers of government are distributed between the national government and state governments
Checks and balances
The system that gives each branch of government the power to change or cancel acts of another branch; prevents any branch from exerting too much power
Repeal
To cancel or revoke a law by a legislative act
Popular sovereignty
Ultimate political power remains with the people