The US Constitution – Terms for Vocabulary Word Maps and Test

What is the term for the following definition? 'A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.'

Answer explanation

The term 'checks and balances' refers to a system where each branch of government (executive, legislative, judicial) can limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful.

What is the term for the following definition? 'Powers shared by the federal and state governments under the U.S. Constitution.'

Answer explanation

The term for powers shared by the federal and state governments under the U.S. Constitution is 'concurrent powers'. These powers allow both levels of government to legislate and govern in certain areas.

What is the term for the following definition? 'Powers granted to the national government rather than to the states under the U.S. Constitution.'

Answer explanation

The term for powers granted to the national government under the U.S. Constitution is 'delegated powers.' These are distinct from powers reserved for the states.

Imagine a scenario where David is facing a legal issue. He is worried that he might lose his property without having a fair chance to present his case in court. What is the term for the principle that ensures David cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and safeguards?

Answer explanation

The principle that ensures David cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures is called 'due process'. This legal safeguard guarantees that he has a fair chance to present his case in court.

What is the term for the following definition? 'Those powers of the national government that are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution.'

Answer explanation

The term for the powers of the national government that are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution is 'enumerated powers'. These powers are explicitly defined to limit government authority.

What is the term for the following definition? 'The right to keep internal discussions and documents of the White House private.'

Answer explanation

The term for the right to keep internal discussions and documents of the White House private is 'executive privilege'. This legal principle allows the president and other officials to withhold information from the public.

What is the term for the following definition? 'A political system in which power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments.'

Answer explanation

The term for a political system where power is shared between a central government and regional governments is 'federalism'. This structure allows for both levels of government to operate independently in certain areas.

In a recent civics class, Kai learned about a legal principle that ensures accused individuals are brought before a judge to hear the charges against them. What is this term?

Answer explanation

The term 'habeas corpus' refers to the legal principle that requires individuals accused of a crime to be brought before a judge to hear the charges against them, ensuring their right to a fair trial.

What is the term for the following definition? 'A formal charge of wrongdoing against the president or other public official; the first step in removal from office.'

Answer explanation

The term for a formal charge of wrongdoing against a president or public official, which is the first step in their removal from office, is 'impeachment'. This process allows Congress to hold officials accountable.

What is the term for the following definition? 'Those powers of the national government, and particularly of Congress, that are not specifically listed in the Constitution, but which the government can reasonably claim as part of its governing responsibility.'

Answer explanation

The term for powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but claimed by the government is 'implied powers'. These powers allow Congress to fulfill its governing responsibilities effectively.