Checks and balances
each branch of government has the authority to block the other branches.

electoral college
created by the constitiution to elect the president; public votes for electors then they vote for president.

institutions
the organizations and rules that structure government and political actions. president congress court media

political machines
corrupt parties that ran many cities and state governments in the 19th century.

military-industrial complex
network of influence and money flowing between defense contractors, military figures in the Pentagon, and defense policy officials and the White House.”

public-private partnerships
government program provided through joint efforts of private-sector actors and public officials.

republic
system of government that rests ultimate governing power in its people, who may rule directly or via representatives