Government and politics of the USA Key Terms

Judicial review

The power of the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts to assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, thereby invalidating those that violate the Constitution.

Federalism

The division of power between the national government and the states, with each level having constitutionally protected authorities.

Constitutional Supremacy

The principle that the Constitution is the highest law of the land, and all other laws must conform to it.

Amendment Process

The formal procedure outlined in Article V of the Constitution for modifying the Constitution, requiring proposal by two-thirds of both houses or a convention, and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Separation of Powers

The allocation of governmental functions into distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent the concentration of authority.

Checks and Balances

Procedures that enable each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, ensuring no single branch can act unilaterally.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for the federal government, forming the core of its legislative authority.

Supremacy Clause

A constitutional rule that federal law overrides any conflicting state law, establishing the primacy of federal legislation.

Amendment process

The formal procedure outlined in Article V for proposing and adopting changes to the U.S. Constitution.

Ratification

The approval by state legislatures (or conventions) that finalises an amendment and makes it part of the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

A constitutional doctrine that divides government into distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent the concentration of power and provide mutual checks.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, allowing them to invalidate measures that violate the Constitution.

Due Process

A constitutional guarantee that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.

Equal Protection

A clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to treat all individuals equally under the law, prohibiting discriminatory practices.

Bicameralism

The division of a legislature into two separate chambers, each with distinct roles and methods of election.

Checks and Balances

A constitutional principle whereby each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to prevent concentration of authority.

Senate

The upper chamber of the US Congress, composed of 100 members (two per state), with powers including treaty ratification, confirmation of appointments, and impeachment trials.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the US Congress, composed of 435 members apportioned by population, with exclusive authority to initiate revenue‑raising bills and to impeach federal officials.

Apportionment

The allocation of seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population.

Party Allegiance

The loyalty of legislators to their political party, influencing voting behaviour and policy positions.

Bicameralism

The structure of a legislature composed of two separate chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinct powers and functions.

Oversight

The process by which Congress monitors, investigates, and supervises the executive branch and its agencies to ensure accountability and effective implementation of laws.

Majority Party

The political party that holds the most seats in a legislative chamber, enabling it to control committee chairs, agenda setting, and procedural rules.

Select Committee

A committee in the UK Parliament that investigates specific issues and reports findings, often with a consultative rather than legislative role.

Constituency

A geographical area represented by a member of Congress.

Bicameralism

The practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chambers.

Filibuster

A Senate procedure that allows a minority to prolong debate and delay or block a vote on legislation.

Equal Representation

The constitutional guarantee that each state has two senators, giving equal state influence in the Senate.

Legislative veto

A procedural tool by which Congress can nullify an executive action, though it has been deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Judicial review

The power of the courts to invalidate laws or executive actions that are contrary to the Constitution.