U.S. Government Concepts

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Preamble

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The introduction to the U.S. Constitution explaining the purpose of government: to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure peace at home, provide defense, promote the general welfare, and secure liberty.

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Social Contract

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A political theory (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau) stating that people agree to give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their natural rights.

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Government

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The system or group of people with authority to make laws, enforce them, and manage public affairs for a community, state, or nation.

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Federalism

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A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

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Public Goods

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Resources or services provided by the government that everyone benefits from and no one can be excluded from (like clean air, roads, public safety).

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Separation of Powers

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The division of government responsibilities into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) so no one branch becomes too powerful.

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Legislative Branch

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The lawmaking branch of government (Congress: House of Representatives and Senate).

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Executive Branch

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The branch of government, headed by the President, that enforces and carries out laws.

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Judicial Branch

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The branch of government, headed by the Supreme Court, that interprets laws and decides if they follow the Constitution.

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Checks and Balances

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A system where each branch of government can limit the power of the others (e.g., the President can veto, Congress can override vetoes, courts can strike down laws).