History Chapter 3 Section 2 – Flashcards

The distribution of political power among the branches of government, giving each branch a particular set of responsibilities.

The lawmaking branch of government. Main function (responsibility) = Makes Law Two bodies = Senate and House of Representatives A check it has over another branch of government = Can impeach and remove the president.

The branch of government that carries out the laws. Main function (responsibility) = Enforces Law Headed by (chief executive) = The President A check it has over another branch of government = Can veto acts of Congress.

The branch of government that interprets the laws and punishes lawbreakers. Main function (responsibility) = Interprets Law Headed by = The Supreme Court A check it has over another branch of government = Can declare executive acts unconstitutional.

A system in which the powers of government are balanced among different branches so that each branch can check, or limit, the power of the other branches.

A refusal by the president or a governor to sign a bill.

The power of the U.S. Supreme Court to determine if a law passed by Congress or a presidential action is in accord with the Constitution.

The system of checks and balances were built into the Constitution because the checks and balances ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful.

Judicial Branch

Separation of powers is the distribution of political power among the branches of government, giving each branch a particular set of responsibilities. Federalism is a system of government in which the powers of government are divided between the national government, which governs the whole country, and the states governments, which govern the people of each state.

To pass the law despite the veto.

The Legislative Branch