| A | B |
|---|
| executive branch | the branch of government that carries out the laws |
| judicial branch | the branch of government that interprets laws |
| separation of powers | a system that divides the functions of government among independent branches so that no one branch becomes too powerful |
| checks and balances | the idea that each branch of a government has powers that limit the other branches’ powers |
| veto | to refuse to sign a bill into law |
| bill | a proposed law |
| override | to cancel the executive branch’s veto or rejection of a proposed law |
| impeach | to accuse a public official of misconduct; sometimes to additionally remove that public official from office |
| appeal | to bring a court decision from a lower court to be reexamined in a higher court |
| judicial review | the federal courts’ power to determine whether a law or an executive action follows the Constitution |
| federal deficit | the amount of money the national government spends in excess of its income |
| legislative branch | – the branch of government that makes laws |
