Virginia Constitution
Document that defines and limits the powers of state government and the basic rights of
the citizens of Virginia
commonwealth
Term for a political community founded for the common good
General Assembly
State legislative body
biennial
Taking place every two years
governor
Elected executive head of a state
lieutenant governor
Executive officer of a state who is next in rank to the governor; like a vice-president
attorney general
Elected position, serves the state of Virginia's head lawyer and legal expert
line item veto
To veto or reject only specific parts of a bill
expressed powers
powers directly stated in the constitution
reserved powers
Powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government that are kept by
the states
House of Delegates
Lower house of the Virginia General Assembly made up of 100 member
concurrent powers
Powers shared by the state and national government
federalism