1. Describes a performance mainly in pomp and style rather than in accomplishment - Ceremonial
The ceremonies are meant to celebrate events or occasions instead of accomplishments; some examples: ceremony of birth, of commitment, of renewal of vows, anniversary, rituals, and christening.
2. A series of measures that keep a system from becoming too powerful or weak - Checks and balances
The system of check and balances is the system whereby all three branches of the government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) oversees, limit and check each other so no part abuse from its powers and a balance in the government may exist.
3. Parts of the executive branch that act apart from the interactive network - independent agencies
Independent agencies are part of the government, and they work to help to carry out decisions made by the government or provide special services, but they work outside the federal executive departments (the interactive network). It includes the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Social Security Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, etc.
4. Fifteen divisions of responsibility that handle the duty of administering the national government - Executive department
The fifteen divisions of the executive department are the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, State, Interior, the Treasury, Transportation and Veterans Affairs
5. Another name for the chief executive; the president - Chief of state
The President, the head of the Executive, is the person that officially represents a sovereign state or nation, thus he can be called the chief or head of state.
6. The communication and ongoing relationship between America and other nations of the world - Diplomatic relations
Through this type of relationship and communication, America negotiates treaties with other countries, recognize nations (For example, Kosovo in 2008), provides military collaboration, and receives it as well, generates close ties, cooperates with others, etc.
