Chapter 2 Flashcards
Republic
A system with the supreme power in the people, exercised by representatives chosen through the votes of qualified voters.
Constitutionalism
The principles of the constitution government; adherence to them, including notably, restrictions and limitations on government power.
Arbitrary and Capricious
Action taken impulsively or in bad faith and without good or valid reasoning.
Natural Law
The higher law believed by some ethicists to be above and beyond man’s power to change.
Natural rights
Inalienable rights of every human being that exist by virtue of natural law, notably to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Positive Law
Law enacted by government authority, such as legislatures, courts, and administrative agencies, as distinguished from natural law.
Judicial review
Power of the US Supreme Court declare unconstitutional an act of congress, a presidential order, or state law.
Separation of Powers
The granting of the various powers of government among three branches so that each branch checks the other two.
Legislative Branch
What branch deals with the Congress?
Executive Branch
What branch deals with presidency?
Judicial Branch
What Branch of the government deals with Court systems?
Federalism
A form of government consisting of a union of more or less self governing states under an umbrella of federal government.
Writ of habeas Corpus
A formal written order that an arrestee be brought before a court.
Bill of attainder
Act of the legislature inflicting capital punishment upon a named person or member of a specific group without a trail and conviction. Forbidden by the US constitution.
Ex post facto laws [ latin: “after the fact’’]`
A statute that retro actively makes previous lawful conduct a crime. Such a statute is unconstitutional.
