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Part 3 of 4. Leaders, courts and states. In this part you will learn 8 key words from the U.S. civics test. For each word, you will hear a simple meaning, an example and a memory tip. At the end there are three quick questions.

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bill

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An idea for a law before it is signed.

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For example: A bill is an idea for a law. The President signs it to make it law.

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Memory tip: A bill is only a draft. It is not a law yet.

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veto

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When the President says no to a bill.

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For example: The President can veto a bill. That means the President says no to it.

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Memory tip: Veto means no. The President can say it to a bill.

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Cabinet

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The advisers who lead the big departments.

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For example: The Cabinet advises the President.

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Memory tip: Cabinet members are advisers, like a team of coaches for the President.

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Electoral College

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The electors who choose the President.

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For example: The Electoral College decides who is elected President.

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Memory tip: You vote for electors. The electors then choose the President.

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Supreme Court

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The highest court. Nine justices.

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For example: The Supreme Court has nine seats.

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Memory tip: Nine seats, and the justices serve for life.

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justice

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A judge of the Supreme Court.

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For example: A justice sits on the Supreme Court.

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Memory tip: Justice is the title for a judge of the Supreme Court.

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federal

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Having to do with the national government.

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For example: Federal laws are for the whole country.

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Memory tip: Federal means the whole country. State means just one state.

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governor

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The leader of a state.

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For example: A governor leads one state.

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Memory tip: Think of a governor as the leader of one state.

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Quick review. Look at each word and say it out loud: bill, veto, Cabinet, Electoral College, Supreme Court, justice, federal, governor.

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Time for a quick quiz. Three questions about the words in this part. After each question, you will have five seconds to think.

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Question 1. What does the President's Cabinet do? A. Advises the President. B. Writes federal laws. C. Reviews court decisions. D. Elects the President.

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The answer is A. Advises the President. Cabinet members lead departments and advise the President.

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Question 2. Why is the Electoral College important? A. It decides who is elected President. B. It approves the federal budget. C. It elects members of Congress. D. It chooses Supreme Court justices.

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The answer is A. It decides who is elected President. Electors cast the votes that choose the President. It was a compromise between popular election and election by Congress.

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Question 3. What is the highest court in the United States? A. The Constitutional Court. B. The Supreme Court. C. The District Court. D. The U.S. Court of Appeals.

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The answer is B. The Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the top court.

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That is the end of this part. Try the sample questions on our website, and say each word out loud in English. Good luck with your study.