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| God's or nature's law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law |
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| constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law |
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| Constitutional grant of powers that enables each of the three branches of government to check some acts of the others and therefore ensure that no branch can dominate |
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| Governance divided between the parties, especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of congress |
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| Election in which voters choose party nominees |
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| Procedure whereby a certain number of voters may, by petition, propose a law or constitutional amendment and have it submitted to the voters |
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| Procedure for submitting to popular vote measures passed by the legislature or proposed amendments to a state consitution |
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| Procedure for submitting to popular vote the removal of officials from office before the end of their term |
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| The power of a court to refuse to enforce a law or a government regulation that in the opinion of the judges conflicts with the Constitution or in a state court, the state constitution |
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| court order directing an official to perform an official duty |
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| Formal accusation against a public official, the first step in removal from office |
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| Directive issued by a president or governor that has the force of law |
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| The power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security |
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| Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds authorized and appropriated by Congress |
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