Lesson 16: How Much Power Should Be Given to the Executive and Judicial Branches?

Terms

advice and consent  The right of the U.S. Senate, granted in Article II of the Constitution, to review treaties and major presidential appointments. Two-thirds vote of senators is required for treaties and a simple majority for appointments.

appellate jurisdiction  The legal authority of a court to hear appeals from a lower court.

Electoral College  The group of presidential electors who cast the official votes for president and vice president after a presidential election. Each state has a number of electors equal to the total of its members in the Senate and House of Representatives.

impeach  To bring to trial a public official accused of committing a crime or engaging in misconduct while in office.

jurisdiction  The power or authority to hear cases and make decisions.

original jurisdiction  The legal authority of a court to be the first to hear a case.

Twenty-second Amendment  The Amendment that prohibits any person from being elected president more than twice.