AP Gov't Ch. 4 Flashcards
Civil Liberties
The legal constitutional protections against government.
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which define such basic liberties.
First Amendment
The constitutional amendments that establishes the four great liberties.
Fourteen Amendment
The constitutional amendment thats states No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the U.S.
Due Process Clause
Guaranteeing that people cannot be deprived of their civil liberties.
Incorporation Doctrine
The legal concept under which the supreme court has nationalized the Bill of Rights by making most of its provisions applicable to the states.
Establishment Clause
Provision that says Congress can’t make laws respecting an establishment of religion.
Free Exercise Clause
Provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion.
Prior Restraint
A government preventing material from being published.
Libel
The publication of false or malicious statements that damage someone’s reputation.
Symbolic Speech
Nonverbal communication.
Commercial Speech
Communication in the form of advertising.
Probable Cause
The situation occurring when the police have reason to believe that a person should be arrested.
Unreasonable Search and Seizures
Obtaining evidence in a haphazard or random manner.
Search Warrant
A written authorization from a court specifying the area to be searched and what the police are looking for.
Exclusion Rule
The rule that evidence cannot be introduced into a rial if it was not constitutionally obtained.
Fifth Amendment
A constitutional amendment designed to protect the rights of people accused of crimes (self-incrimination).
Self-Incrimination
An individual accused of a crime is compelled to be a witness against himself or herself in court.
Sixth Amendment
A constitutional amendment designed to to protect individuals accused of crimes (right to a speedy trial).
Plea Bargain
A bargain struck between the defendants lawyer and the prosecutor to the effect that the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for the state’s promise not to prosecute the defendant for a more serious crime.
Eighth Amendment
The constitutional amendment that forbids cruel and unusual punishment.
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Court sentences prohibited by the Eighth Amendment.
Right to Privacy
The right to a private personal life free from the intrusion of government.
