| A | B |
|---|
| preamble | introduction |
| articles | numbered sections of a document. The unamended constitution is divided into seven articles. |
| separation of powers | basic principle of American system of govt. that the executive, legislative, and judicial powers are divided among 3 branches of govt. |
| rule of law | concept that holds that govt. and its officers are always subject to the law |
| checks and balances | system of overlapping the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to permit each branch to check the actions of the others |
| veto | chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature |
| judicial review | the power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action |
| unconstitutional | contrary to constitutional provision and so illegal, null and void, of no force and effect. |
| amendment | a change in, or addition to, a constitution or law |
| Bill of Rights | the first ten amendments to the constitution |
| executive agreement | a pact made by the president directly with the head of a foreign state |
| treaty | a formal agreement between two or more sovereign states |
| electoral college | group of persons chosen in each state and the District of Columbia every 4 years who make a formal selection of the president and vice president |
| cabinet | presidential advisory body, traditionally made up of the heads of the executive departments and other officers. |
