US Government Structure and Principles

The governing body of a nation, state, or community.

A political system where the powers of the government are restricted by laws or a constitution to protect individual freedoms. This ensures no branch becomes too powerful, promoting checks and balances.

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people—who hold the ultimate power. It emphasizes that political power rests with the citizens, typically expressed through voting and participation in democratic processes.

System where the powers of government are divided among separate branches like the executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

A system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) authority and smaller political units, such as states or provinces. This arrangement allows each level of government to have its own responsibilities and powers, while sharing some authority in areas like taxation and law enforcement.

The power of courts, particularly the Supreme Court, to examine and determine the constitutionality of laws or government actions. It allows the judiciary to invalidate laws or decisions that violate the constitution, serving as a check on the legislative and executive branches.

A principle that divides the functions and responsibilities of government into three distinct branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This ensures that no single branch holds too much power, with each branch having its own roles and the ability to check the others, promoting a balance of authority in governance.

A group of people chosen from each state to formally vote for the President and Vice President.

Proponents of the Constitution, who favored a strong national government with broad powers.

Opponents of the Constitution, who argued for strong state governments and feared a central government's power.

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic with diverse interests can best control the influence of factions and protect minority rights.

The process political parties use to select their candidates for elections.

A nationwide election where voters cast their ballots for officeholders.

The total number of votes cast by citizens in an election.

Votes cast by members of the Electoral College to determine the President and Vice President.

The highest court in the U.S. with nine justices, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal laws.

Concerns about too much power in the federal government, which led to the Bill of Rights to protect states' rights and individual freedoms.

A judge appointed to serve in any U.S. court (District, Appeals, or Supreme). They're nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Informal qualifications for becoming a federal judge, often including prestigious degrees, past experience as a Supreme Court Justice clerk, and lower court experience.

Judges who believe the Constitution should be interpreted based on its original meaning, focusing on the exact words and historical context.

Judges who believe the Constitution's meaning evolves over time, adapting interpretations to modern societal changes and values.

The right of a court to hear a case for the first time, rather than on appeal. The Supreme Court has this for cases involving states or foreign diplomats.

Article III of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch.

The lowest level of the federal court system where trials begin.

The authority of a higher court to review and potentially overturn a lower court's decision.

A regional division in the federal Court of Appeals system. There are 13 circuits covering different geographic areas.

The explanation of the Supreme Court's decision and reasoning, supported by most justices. It sets a precedent for future cases.

An opinion written by justices who disagree with the majority decision. It explains their contrasting views and offers an alternative perspective.

The structure of the federal court system with three levels: District Courts (lowest), Courts of Appeals (middle), and the Supreme Court (highest).

Cases involving federal law, the Constitution, disputes between states, the U.S. government, foreign governments, and citizens from different states.

A compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, deciding how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxes. It counted three-fifths of the enslaved population in each state when calculating congressional representation, finding a middle ground between slaveholding states and those opposing slavery.

This compromise combined elements of the Virginia Plan, favoring larger states, and the New Jersey Plan, favoring smaller states. It created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate granting equal representation to each state, ensuring a balance of power.

The debate over slavery during the Constitutional Convention involved various compromises, such as allowing the importation of enslaved people for 20 years and the Three-Fifths Compromise. The issue of slavery significantly divided the states and ultimately contributed to the Civil War.

Added in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, designed to protect individual liberties. This compromise addressed Anti-Federalist concerns about a powerful federal government infringing on personal freedoms, guaranteeing protections like freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms.

The US federal system divides power between the national and state governments, allowing both levels to govern concurrently within their specific areas. The Constitution outlines specific powers for the federal government, while reserving others for the states. This arrangement maintains local autonomy while allowing the federal government to address national concerns.

A system where the people hold the power, choosing representatives or directly making decisions through voting. There are two types: direct democracy, where citizens directly vote on laws and policies, and representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions.

Citizens directly vote on laws and policies, allowing for a more direct and active participation in the political process.

Citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This form of democracy is more common, with citizens electing representatives to make laws, policies, and decisions.

An official forgiveness for a crime granted by the President, removing legal penalties for the offense.

Formal agreements between countries that require a two-thirds Senate vote to take effect.

Official representatives of a country working in foreign nations, handling diplomatic relations on behalf of their government.

A group of advisors chosen by the President to lead executive departments, assisting in decision-making and policy implementation.

Government agencies and departments that carry out laws and policies, employing millions to handle day-to-day operations.

Individuals chosen by the President to hold key government positions, typically serving for the duration of the President's term.

A candidate for President must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born U.S. citizen, and a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.

The Vice President serves as President of the Senate, casts tie-breaking votes, and takes over if the President cannot perform their duties.