Chapter 2: Business and the Constitution Flashcards
Bill of rights
the first ten amendments to the US Constitution
Checks and Balances
the system by which each of the three branches of the US national government exercises checks on the powers of the other branches
Commerce Clause
the provision in the US Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.
Compelling government interest
a test of constitutionality that requires the government to have compelling reasons for passing any law that restricts fundamental rights, such as free speech, or distinguishes between people based on a specific trait.
due process clause
the provisions in the US Constitution that guarantee that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Similar clauses are found in most state constitutions.
equal protection clause
the provision in the US Constitution that guarantees that no state will “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This clause mandates that state governments treat similarly situated individuals in a similar manner.
Establishment clause
the provision in the US Constitution that prohibits Congress from creating any law “respecting an establishment of religion.”
Federal form of government
a system of government in which the states form a union and the sovereign power is divided between a central government and the member states.
filtering software
a computer program that screens incoming data according to rules built into the software and blocks access to websites with content not consistent with those rules.
free exercise clause
the provision in the first amendment to the US Constitution that prohibits Congress from making any law “prohibiting the free exercise” of religion.
full faith and credit clause
a clause in the Constitution that provides that “full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.” the clause ensures that rights established under deeds, will,s contracts, and the like in one state will be honored by the other states and that any judicial decision with respect to such property rights will be honored and enforced in all states.
meta tag
word inserted into a website’s key-words field to increase the site’s appearance in search engine results.
police powers
powers possessed by states as part of their inherent sovereignty. These powers may be exercised to protect or promote the public order, health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
preemption
a doctrine under which certain federal laws preempt, or take precedence over, conflicting state or local laws.
privileges and immunities clause
a clause in the Constitution that requires states not to discriminate against one another’s citizens. A resident of one state cannot be treated as an alien when in another state; he or she may not be denied such privileges and immunities as legal protection, access to courts, travel rights, and property rights.
