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