15th Amendment Flashcards
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged [decreased] by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
preamble
An introduction
popular sovereignty
government power comes from the people
Consent of the Governed
the government power comes from the people’s consent (approval)
republic
a government where citizens elect representatives
limited government
the government only has power that has been given to it
federalism
divides power between the national (federal) government and the states.
rule of law
principle that society is governed by law, and the government must follow the law
separation of power
three branches with uniques roles and responsibilities and operates to ensure no branch has absolute power
judicial review
judicial branch gained power to interpret the Constitution
checks and balances
Each branch to respond to the actions of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful
amendment
change
Bill of Rights
Ten amendments added to the Constitution to protect individual liberties and rights from government interference
civil liberties
The rights of citizens to be free from undue government interference in their lives, including those rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and those established by long legal precedent (such as the right to marry or travel freely)
individual liberties
constitutionally -established rights and freedoms protected by law from interference by the government
1st Amendment
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and to petition
