Government and Political Terms

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Bicameral

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A legislative body having two branches or chambers.

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Inferior courts

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Courts of lower authority than the Supreme Court.

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Popular Sovereignty

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The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

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Limited Government

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A political system where the legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.

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Rule of Law

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The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law that is fairly applied and enforced.

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Separation of Powers

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An act of vesting the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of government in separate bodies.

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Checks and balances

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Counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated.

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Judicial Review

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The doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary.

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Unconstitutional

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Not in accordance with a political constitution or procedural rules.

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Federalism

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The federal principle or system of government.