# data[].attributes.body
It is called an elastic clause because it gives Congress flexibility to fulfill its duties. Some people, however, think that Congress sometimes "stretches" its powers too far.

# data[].attributes.body
The Supreme Court (members) and lower federal courts make up the federal judiciary, or federal court system.

# data[].attributes.body
As chief executive, or president, they are the head of the largest branch of the federal government. Under the Constitution, the president and the rest of the executive branch must "Take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed."

# data[].attributes.body
To balance the powers of small and large states, congress are set up as branch of legislature. The two chambers are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Congress can coin and regulate money, collect taxes, maintain an army and navy, declare war, pay government debts, and regulate foreign trade.

# data[].attributes.body
A preamble is an introduction explaining the purpose of a document, typically a legal document. The Preamble to the Constitution begins with the phrase, "We the people," to announce that the Constitution's authority is based on the people themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
The act of charging an official with an offense committed while in office. Only the House of Representatives can vote to impeach or accuse an official of committing what the Constitution calls "Treason, Bribery, or other High Crimes and Misdemeanors." However, only the Senate can convict.

# data[].attributes.body
A system in which judges cannot be removed or have their salaries reduced for making unpopular decisions.

# data[].attributes.body
A previous case or legal decision that may be or (binding precedent) must be followed in subsequent similar cases. For example, in the photo it states Washington's precedents.

# data[].attributes.body
A key authority exercised by the Supreme Court is judicial review, the power to review an action of the legislative or executive branch and declare it unconstitutional.

# data[].attributes.body
The Constitution establishes a federal system that balances national and state powers, but it grants controlling authority to the national government in its supremacy clause.

# data[].attributes.body
The transfer of authority by one of the three branches of government to another branch or to an independent agency.

# data[].attributes.body
Special interest groups are organizations whose members share a specific interest or concern and want to influence policymaking, people mainly join to make their feelings known to the government.

# data[].attributes.body
The Constitution is the supreme legal document of the United States. It consists of three parts: the Preamble, the Articles, and the amendments.

# data[].attributes.body
The first three articles establish the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. A system of checks and balances ensures that powers are distributed among the branches.

# data[].attributes.body
The main function of this branch of government is to enact laws. Congress consists of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The elastic clause of the Constitution gives Congress the flexibility it needs to carry out its duties.

# data[].attributes.body
The main task of this branch is to enforce the laws. The president is the chief executive, or head of the executive branch. This branch also includes many other executive officials, departments, and agencies.

# data[].attributes.body
The federal judiciary is made up of the Supreme Court and many lower courts across the country. These courts interpret and apply laws in cases that come before them. The power of judicial review allows the Supreme Court to judge whether acts of Congress are constitutional.

# data[].attributes.body
As a "living document," the Constitution can be amended. The first 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights. Seventeen more amendments have been added over the years.

# data[].attributes.body
Citizens can participate in government in many ways. They can vote, join political parties, run for office, and exert political influence through public meetings, interest groups, and other means.