Separation of Powers Glossary

The division of the legislature into two separate chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives, requiring both to agree before legislation can be sent to the president for signature.

The system of overlapping powers that allows each branch of government to limit the actions of the other branches, preventing the concentration of power and protecting individual liberty.

The specific powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution, listed primarily in Article I, Section 8, including the power to tax, regulate commerce, coin money, and raise armies.

The branch of government headed by the president, responsible for enforcing and administering laws, commanding the armed forces, conducting foreign policy, and appointing federal judges and cabinet officials.

A directive issued by the president to manage operations of the federal government. While carrying the force of law, executive orders must be based on constitutional or statutory authority and can be challenged in court.

The system of government in which power is divided between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments, each with their own sphere of authority as defined by the Constitution.

The constitutional process by which the House of Representatives brings formal charges against a federal official for high crimes and misdemeanors, followed by a trial in the Senate where a two-thirds vote is required for removal.

The branch of government consisting of the federal court system, headed by the Supreme Court, responsible for interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and determining whether government actions comply with the Constitution.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and declare them unconstitutional, established by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison (1803) and serving as a critical check on the other branches.

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the bicameral Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) at the federal level, with powers including taxation, spending, and declaring war.

The constitutional principle of dividing government authority among three independent branches, legislative, executive, and judicial, so that no single branch can exercise unchecked control over government functions.

The constitutional authority of the president to reject legislation passed by Congress. A regular veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both chambers; a pocket veto occurs when the president takes no action and Congress adjourns.