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| constitution | The document containing the basic set of laws, which contains the rules for writing and passing laws that affect US citizens |
| state level of government | The level of government that has authority over the affairs of an individual state, whose powers include establishing schools, local governments, and rules for marriage and divorce |
| federal level of government | The level of government that has authority over matters that affect the country, including printing money, raising armies, and making treaties with foreign countries |
| shared powers | The authority that both the state and federal levels of government have, including the powers to raise taxes, set up court systems, and make laws to provide for the public health and welfare |
| legislative branch | The branch of government (on all three levels) which has the power to make the laws |
| judicial branch | The branch of government (on all three levels) which has the power to interpret laws to settle differences over the meaning of the law |
| executive branch | The branch of government (on all three levels) which has the power to carry out, or enforce, the laws |
| congress | The name of the body that is the head of the Legislative Branch of government on the federal level |
| president | The person who is the head of the Executive Branch of the federal government, who is limited to serving two four-year terms. This person must sign or veto laws passed by Congress. |
| supreme court | The most powerful court body, which is the head of the Judicial Branch of government and who has the power to decide of a law follows the Constitution |
| checks and balances | The system designed to keep one branch of government from becoming more powerful than another |
| amendment | The name for the process by which the government can change the Constitution when needed |
| governor | The person who is the head of the Executive Branch of the state level of government |
| general assembly | The name of the body that is the head of the Legislative Branch for Florida's state level of government |
| republic | The form of government where people elect representatives to run the country |
| local government | The level of government that has authority over matters that affect cities, towns, and/or counties |
