Explain the significance of the following terms.

a. federalism

b. legislative branch

c. judicial branch

d. checks and balances

e. amendment

A. The Federal System Of Government. A federal system of government is one that divides the powers of government between the national (federal) government and state and local governments.

B. The Legislative Branch. The legislative branch is in charge of making laws. It is made up of the Congress and several Government agencies. Congress has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are voted into office by American citizens in each state.

C. The judicial branch is in charge of deciding the meaning of laws, how to apply them to real situations, and whether a law breaks the rules of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest law of our Nation. The U. S.

D. checks and balances. A fundamental principle of American government, guaranteed by the Constitution, whereby each branch of the government (executive, judicial, and legislative) has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.

E. amendment is a formal or official change made to a law, contract, constitution, or other legal document. It is based on the verb to amend, which means to change for better. Amendments can add, remove, or update parts of these agreements