US Government Flash Cards

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Legislative Branch

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The law-making body of the federal government, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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Executive Branch

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Headed by the President and responsible for enforcing the laws of the land.

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Judicial Branch

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Interprets the meaning of laws and determines whether they are constitutional.

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Separation of Powers

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The division of governmental authority among the three branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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Checks and Balances

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A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches.

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Federalism

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A system of government in which power is divided between a central national government and smaller regional governments (such as states).

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Conservatism

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A political ideology that emphasizes a smaller role for government in the economy and individual lives, with an emphasis on individual liberty.

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Left-leaning

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Generally associated with liberal policies that create a greater social safety net and increased government regulation of the economy.

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Right-leaning

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Generally associated with socially conservative policies and less government regulation.

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Liberalism

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A political ideology that emphasizes the role of government in addressing social and economic inequalities, providing a safety net for those in need, and regulating the economy.