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U.S. Government — Branches and Powers

Structure and function of the U.S. federal government

C
civics_cramming 15 terms Jan 20, 2026
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Terms 15

1
Legislative Branch
Congress; makes federal laws; consists of Senate and House
2
Executive Branch
President and cabinet; enforces laws
3
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court and federal courts; interprets laws
4
Checks and Balances
System preventing any one branch from having too much power
5
Veto
President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress
6
Override
Congress can override a veto with 2/3 majority vote
7
Judicial Review
Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional; established in Marbury v. Madison
8
Filibuster
Senate tactic of prolonged speech to delay or block legislation
9
Impeachment
House charges; Senate tries; process for removing federal officials
10
Electoral College
System of electors that officially elects the President
11
Amendment
A change or addition to the Constitution
12
Ratification
Formal approval of a treaty or amendment; requires 3/4 of states
13
Federalism
Division of power between national and state governments
14
Executive Order
Presidential directive with the force of law, not requiring Congress
15
Senate Confirmation
Senate must approve major presidential appointments