social studies: governing the nation vocabulary

1. convention – an important meeting

2. federal system- a system of government where power is shared by a national government and state governments

3. republic- people choose representatives to run the government

4. compromise –an agreement reached by each side giving up some part of what it wants

5. principle- a rule for action

6. legislative branch- the lawmaking branch of our government

ex. congress= house of representatives (based on population) and the senate (2 from each state)

7. separation of powers- the sharing of power between the 3 branches of government so that on branch cannot control the government.

8. executive branch- the President is the chief leader who has the power to enforce laws that are made by congress.

9. electoral college- the group of electors who votes for the president (citizens vote for them)

10. veto- to reject

11. impeach- to accuse someone of crimes (often associated with the president being accused of a crime)

12. judicial branch- the court system

13. justices- judges

14. amendments- changes

15. ratify- to approve

16. Cabinet- people who advise the president

17. political party- a group that tries to elect officials who will support its policies