Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Civics > Civics EOC Review Vocabulary > Flashcards

Civics EOC Review Vocabulary Flashcards

1
Q

What are checks and balances?

A

a principle of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is consent of the governed?

A

an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Explain the Enlightenment

A

a period in European history when many educated people stressed the importance of learning and reasoning; education was considered the key to understanding and solving society’s problems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

individual liberty

A

a person’s ability to be free and independent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

influence

A

having an effect or impact on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

natural law

A

laws passed by government to protect natural rights

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

natural rights

A

the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments; life, liberty, and property

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

separation of powers

A

the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

social contract

A

an implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Founding Fathers

A

representatives from each of the 13 colonies who decided to meet and write a document stating their reasons for separation and independence from England

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

compact

A

an official agreement made by two or more parties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Common Sense

A

a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in 1776 to convince the American colonists to support becoming independent from England

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

English Bill of Rights

A

a government document that expanded the powers of the English Parliament and expanded the rights of the people, as well as further limited the rights of the king; written by the members of the English Parliament in 1689

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

due process

A

the idea that people have the right to fair and reasonable laws, and that government leaders and officials have to follow rules when enforcing laws and treat all people in the same way

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

limited government

A

a government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

limited monarchy

A

a system of government in which the king or queen shares authority with an elected legislature and agrees to be bound by a constitution or a set of laws, also known as a constitutional monarchy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Magna Carta

A

a government document that limited the power of the king of England and protected the rights of the nobility; written by the English nobles in 1215

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Mayflower Compact

A

an agreement between individuals that created a government that would provide order and protect the rights of the colonists; written by a group of English Puritans in Massachusetts in 1620

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Preamble

A

the introduction to the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

rights

A

a set of things that people believe they should be free to do without restrictions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

rule of law

A

a concept that those who govern are bound by the laws; no one is above the law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

self-government

A

popular or representative system where the people create and run their own government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Thomas Paine

A

the colonial journalist who wrote Common Sense in 1776

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

duty

A

a tax

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

export

A

goods sent to another country

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

goods

A

merchandise or objects for sale or trade

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

import

A

goods brought into the country

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

individual rights

A

rights guaranteed or belonging to a person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

legislature

A

governing body responsible for making laws

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

levy

A

to collect by legal authority

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

oppression

A

the use of authority or power in a cruel or unjust manner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Parliament

A

the name of the English legislature

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

representation

A

a person or group acting on behalf of another person or group

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

tax

A

money levied by a government for specific facilities or services

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

taxation without representation

A

the idea that it is unfair to tax someone without giving them a voice in government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

abolish

A

to end

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

assent

A

to agree

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

consent of the governed

A

an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

deprive

A

to take something away

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

derive

A

to take

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

despotism

A

a system of government where the ruler has unlimited power

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

dissolve

A

to bring to an end

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

endow

A

to be given something naturally

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

grievance

A

a complaint

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

impel

A

to urge

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

impose

A

to establish by using authority or power

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

institute

A

to establish

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

natural rights

A

the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

oppression

A

the use of authority or power in a cruel or unjust manner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

quarter

A

the house

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

rectitude

A

the quality or state of being correct

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

self-evident

A

obvious, having no need of proof

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

tyranny

A

a government in which a single ruler possesses and abuses absolute power

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

tyrant

A

a single ruler that possess and abuses absolute government power

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

unalienable rights

A

basic rights of the people that may not be taken away

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

usurpation

A

the act of exercising power by force

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Bill of Rights

A

the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Declaration of Independence

A

a document written in 1776 that listed the basis for democratic government and the grievances of the colonists

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Articles of Confederation

A

the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781 and replaced in 1789

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

confederation

A

a system of government where power is located with the independent states and there is little power in the central government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Constitutional Convention

A

a meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates decided to throw out the Articles of Confederation and draft the Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

debt

A

something owed; such as money

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Shays’ Rebellion

A

an event when 2000 Massachusetts farmers rebelled against land foreclosures and debt from the Revolutionary War

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Articles of Confederation

A

the first constitution of the United States; weak powers; only powers listed were for Congress.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

enforce

A

to carry out effectively

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

defense

A

method of protecting oneself

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

domestic

A

referring to something at home, not foreign

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

insure

A

ensure, to make sure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

justice

A

a system of establishing what is legal and illegal by fair rules

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

ordain

A

to establish something by law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

posterity

A

future generations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Preamble

A

the introduction to the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

tranquility

A

peace

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

union

A

something formed by combining parts, such as states into one country

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

welfare

A

well-being

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

establish justice

A

make a fair and honest system for all

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

form a more perfect union

A

create an even better government that will make life better for all

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

insure domestic tranquility

A

government will protect citizens from conflict in the country and make sure that states do not go to war with each other

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

promote the general welfare

A

government is focused on the public interest and that every state and individual can benefit from what the government can provide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

provide for the common defense

A

protect the country from other countries or people that might try to harm us

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

secure the blessings of liberty to our posterity

A

secure liberty and freedom for current and future generations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
82
Q

checks and balances

A

a principle of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
83
Q

constitutional government

A

a form of government based on a written set of laws that all citizens agree to; in this form of government, the constitution is the highest law of the land

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
84
Q

judicial review

A

the power of the U.S. courts to examine the laws or actions of the legislative and executive branches of the government and to determine whether such actions are consistent with the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
85
Q

limited government

A

a government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
86
Q

Marbury v. Madison

A

U.S. Supreme Court case that established judicial review and supremacy clause

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
87
Q

separation of powers

A

the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
88
Q

Anti-Federalist Papers

A

a series of essays written to counter and defeat the proposed U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
89
Q

Anti-Federalists

A

a group of people in the early United States who opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution because they feared a strong national government and a lack of protection for individual rights

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
90
Q

Bill of Rights

A

the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, establishing rights and protections for American citizens

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
91
Q

Federalist Papers

A

a series of essays written to explain and defend the proposed U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
92
Q

Federalists

A

a group of people in the early United States who favored the establishment of a strong national government and who worked for ratification of the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
93
Q

ratification

A

the process of formally approving something; ratification of the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
94
Q

citizen

A

a legal member of a state and/or country

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
95
Q

law

A

a rule established by government or other source of authority to regulate people’s conduct or activities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
96
Q

rule of law

A

a concept that those who govern are bound by the laws; no one is above the law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
97
Q

Eighth Amendment

A

an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides freedom from excessive bail or fines and freedom from cruel or unusual punishment for a person accused of a crime

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
98
Q

Fifth Amendment

A

an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides protections to a person accused of a crime, including the right of due process. Due process is the concept that a person cannot have life, liberty, or property taken away without appropriate legal procedures and protections.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
99
Q

Fourth Amendment

A

an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. This amendment also states that warrants must only be issued with probable cause.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
100
Q

Sixth Amendment

A

an amendment to the Constitution that provides protections and rights to a person accused of a crime including the right to a speedy trial with an impartial jury

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
101
Q

case law

A

law established by the outcome of former cases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
102
Q

Code of Hammurabi

A

a written code of rules that guided the ancient society of Babylon; dates back to 1772 B.C.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
103
Q

common law

A

legal precedence based on customs and prior legal decisions; used in civil cases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
104
Q

constitutional law

A

the interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
105
Q

criminal law

A

law that deals with crimes and the punishments associated with those crimes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
106
Q

juvenile law

A

law that deals with the actions and well-being of persons who are not yet adults

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
107
Q

Magna Carta

A

a government document that limited the power of the king of England and protected the rights of the nobility; written by the English nobles in 1215

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
108
Q

military law

A

laws that have been developed to meet the needs of the military

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
109
Q

regulation

A

a rule an agency of the executive branch makes to enforce a law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
110
Q

source

A

a main reference or point of origin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
111
Q

statutory law

A

the written law enacted by a legislature, as distinguished from unwritten law or common law

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
112
Q

type

A

a particular category, kind, or group

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
113
Q

accused

A

a person officially charged with a crime

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
114
Q

alien

A

a foreign born resident of the US that has not been naturalized.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
115
Q

ambassador

A

an official representative of a country’s government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
116
Q

amendment

A

any change in the constitution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
117
Q

amnesty

A

a pardon to a group of people

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
118
Q

anti-trust law

A

legislature to prevent new monopolies from forming and to preserve & promote competition.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
119
Q

apathy

A

a lack of interest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
120
Q

appellate court

A

type of court in which a party who lost a case in a lower court ask judges to review that decision and reverse it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
121
Q

appropriations bill

A

legislature that sets spending on particular programs for the coming year.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
122
Q

arbitration

A

a situation in which union and company officials submit the issues that can not agree to a neutral third party for a final decision.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
123
Q

bail

A

a sum of money used as a security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns to his or her trial ( or court).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
124
Q

ballot

A

the list of candidates for which you cast your vote

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
125
Q

bear market

A

a period in which stock prices declines for a substantial period of time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
126
Q

bicameral

A

a legislature consisting of 2 parts ( i.e. House and Senate)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
127
Q

Bill of Attainder

A

a law that punishes a person accuses of a crime without a trial or fair hearing in a court

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
128
Q

black codes

A

laws after the Civil War that kept African Americans from holding certain jobs, giving them few property rights, and limited their rights in other ways.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
129
Q

bond

A

interest-bearing certificate of agreement between a borrower and a lender

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
130
Q

boycott

A

the refusal to purchase goods or services

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
131
Q

brief

A

a written document explaining the position of one side or the other in a court case.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
132
Q

budget deficit

A

a situation that occurs when a government spends more than it collects in revenues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
133
Q

budget surplus

A

a situation that occurs when a government collects more revenues that it spends

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
134
Q

bull market

A

a period during which stock prices steadily increase.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
135
Q

cabinet

A

a group of advisers to the president that includes the head of 15 top level executive departments. Remember- president appoints and are approved with 2/3 of senate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
136
Q

capital

A

the seat of government within a nation or state

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
137
Q

capitalism

A

a system in which private citizens own most, if not all, of the means of production and decide how use them within legislature limits.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
138
Q

cash crop

A

a crop produced mainly for sale or profit

139
Q

caucus

A

a meeting of a political party members to conduct party business

140
Q

censorship

A

the banning of printed materials or films due to alarming or offensive ideas.

141
Q

census

A

a population count taken every 10 years by the federal government

142
Q

charter

A

a government document granting permission to organize a corporation

143
Q

civil case

A

court case in which one party in dispute claims to have been harmed in some way by the other.

144
Q

civil liberties

A

freedoms to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair legal treatment

145
Q

closed primary

A

an election in which only the declared members of a party are allowed to vote for a party’s nominees

146
Q

cloture

A

a procedure in the senate to limit debate on a bill

147
Q

collective bargaining

A

a process by which unions and employers negotiate the conditions of employment

148
Q

command economy

A

an economic system in which the government makes the major economic decisions.

149
Q

commonwealth

A

a type of US territory that has its own constitution, but its government is in power by the US Congress and is under US laws
( ex. Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands)

150
Q

communism

A

a one party system of government based on the idea of state ownership and direction of property and industry; developed by Karl Marxx; Pure communism is an economic system.

151
Q

competition

A

efforts by different business to sell the same goods or services

152
Q

complaint

A

a formal notice that a lawsuit has been brought.

153
Q

concurrent jurisdiction

A

authority for both state and federal courts to hear and decide cases

154
Q

concurrent powers

A

powers shared by the state and federal governments

155
Q

constituent

A

a person from a legislative district

156
Q

constitutional monarchy

A

a monarchy in which the power of the hereditary ruler is limited by the country’s constitution and laws.

157
Q

defendant

A

the person in a civil or criminal case who is said to have cause the harm

158
Q

delegate

A

a representative to a meeting

159
Q

diplomat

A

a representative from a country’s government who takes part in talks with representatives of other nations.

160
Q

discretionary income

A

money income left after taxes on it have been paid and you can chose to spend.

161
Q

dissenter

A

one who opposes official or commonly held views.

162
Q

dissenting opinion

A

a statement written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion

163
Q

docket

A

a court’s calendar, showing the schedule of cases it is to hear

164
Q

double jeopardy

A

putting someone on trial for a crime for which he/she was previously found not guilty.

165
Q

draft

A

to write a document in its first form

166
Q

elastic clause

A

In Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the right to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out its expressed powers

167
Q

electoral college

A

a group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president

168
Q

embargo

A

an agreement among a group of nations that prohibits them all from trading with a target nation.

169
Q

eminent domain

A

the right of the government to take private property for public use with appropriate compensation

170
Q

enumerated powers

A

powers that granted directly to the national government by the Constitution.

171
Q

exclusive jurisdiction

A

authority of only federal courts to hear and decide cases

172
Q

executive agreement

A

an agreement between the president and the leader of another country

173
Q

executive branch

A

the branch of government who carries out laws; it is the largest of the branches & headed by the president

174
Q

executive order

A

a rule or command that the president gives out that has the force of law

175
Q

ex post facto law

A

a law that would allow a person punished for an action that was not against the law when it was committed. Translates- after the fact.

176
Q

expressed powers

A

powers that the US Congress has that are specifically listed in the US Constitution

177
Q

federal bureaucracy

A

agencies and the employees of the executive branch of government

178
Q

federal system

A

the sharing of power between the central and state governments

179
Q

federalism

A

a form of government in which power is shared between the federal or central government and the states

180
Q

felony

A

a type of crime more serious than a misdemeanor. Examples: murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery

181
Q

filibuster

A

a tactic for defeating a bill in the Senate by talking until the bill’s sponsor withdraws it
(think: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

182
Q

foreign policy

A

a nation’s overall plan for dealing with other nations.

183
Q

franking privilege

A

the right of Senators and House members to send job related mail without paying postage; this is a huge advantage for incumbents during elections

184
Q

free enterprise

A

an economic system in which individuals and businesses are allowed to compete for profit with a minimum of government interference.

185
Q

free speech

A

the right to say our opinions without being stopped or punished by the government

186
Q

free trade

A

the lack of trade restrictions among countries.

187
Q

The Cold War

A

The Cold War was a state of political and military tension after World War II between powers in the Western Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others) and powers in the Eastern Bloc (the Soviet Union and its allies in the Warsaw Pact).

188
Q

The Korean War

A

The Korean War 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953) was a war between North and South Korea, in which a United Nations force led by the United States fought for the South, and China fought for the North, which was also assisted by the Soviet Union. The war arose from the division of Korea at the end of World War II and from the global tensions of the Cold War that developed immediately afterwards.

189
Q

The Vietnam War

A

The Vietnam War is the commonly used name for the Second Indochina War, 1954–1973. Usually, it refers to the period when the United States and other members of the SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) joined the forces of the Republic of South Vietnam in contesting communist forces comprised of South Vietnamese guerrillas and regular-force units, generally known as Viet Cong (VC), and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). The U.S. had the largest foreign military presence and basically directed the war from 1965 to 1968. For this reason, in Vietnam today it is known as the American War. It was a direct result of the First Indochina War (1946–1954) between France, which claimed Vietnam as a colony, and the communist forces then known as Viet Minh. In 1973 a “third” Vietnam war began—a continuation, actually—between North and South Vietnam but without significant U.S. involvement. It ended with communist victory in April 1975.

190
Q

genocide

A

the intent to kill all members of a political ethnic group.

191
Q

gerrymandering

A

an oddly shaped election district designed to increase the voter strength of a particular political party.

192
Q

global interdependence

A

the reliance of people and countries around the world on one another for goods and services

193
Q

House of Representatives

A

the lower house of Congress; number of representatives depend upon population; total members= 435; bills regarding money/funding start in the House!

194
Q

human rights

A

a protection or a freedom that all people should have; also known as natural rights.

195
Q

ideology

A

a body of ideas about life and society; can also include how government should work

196
Q

immigrant

A

an individual who moves permanently to a new country

197
Q

impeach

A

to accuse government officials of misconduct in office. At the federal level, the House impeaches and the Senate holds the trial for an accused individual. Two presidents have been impeached but none ever tried.

198
Q

implied powers

A

powers that Congress has that is not stated implicitly in the Constitution ( examples- banking, income tax, military draft).

199
Q

indentured servant

A

workers who contracted with American colonists for food and shelter for return of labor- the contract was usually 7-10 years.

200
Q

indictment

A

a document issued by a body called a grand jury that formally charges someone with a crime.

201
Q

inflation

A

a long term increase in general level of prices. Example: the late 1970s

202
Q

initiative

A

a procedure by which citizens can propose new laws

203
Q

institution

A

a key practice, relationship, or organization of a society

204
Q

integrate

A

to combine multiple components into a functioning whole ( example: integration of schools where all demographics may attend a school).

205
Q

joint resolution

A

a resolution that is passed by both houses of Congress.

206
Q

judicial branch

A

the branch of government that interprets the laws

207
Q

laissez- faire economics

A

a belief that government should not interfere in the marketplace. Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations describes this form of economics. Think: hands off

208
Q

legislative branch

A

the lawmaking branch

209
Q

levy

A

to demand and collect a tax

210
Q

libel

A

written untruths that are harmful to another’s reputation

211
Q

limited government

A

the principle that a ruler or government is not all powerful

212
Q

line-item veto

A

to veto only a specific part of a bill; more common at the state level via the governor

213
Q

lobbyist

A

a representative of an interest group who contacts lawmakers to influence their policy making

214
Q

Political Action Committees ( PACs)

A

political organization that is established by a corporation, labor union, or other special interest group designed to support candidates by contributing money.

215
Q

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

A

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions have the same political speech rights as individuals under the First Amendment. Thus, resulting in almost an unlimited amount corporations can contribute to a political campaign.

216
Q

majority party

A

In both the House and the Senate, the political party to which more than half of the members belong. Currently, the Republican party is the majority party in the Senate and House. The majority party determines the Speaker of the House (P. Ryan) and the Senate President (M. McConnell).

217
Q

majority rule

A

political principle providing that majority of the members of a community has the power to make laws binding upon all the people.

218
Q

malapportionment

A

unequal representation in state legislatures. usually caused by gerrymandering.

219
Q

malice

A

evil intent

220
Q

market economy

A

an economic system in which individuals and businesses own all resources and make economic decisions on the basis of price.

221
Q

mass media

A

a mechanism of mass communications ( examples- tv, social media, radio, newspapers)

222
Q

mediation

A

a situation in which union and company officials bring in a 3rd party to resolve disputes.

223
Q

minority party

A

in both the House and Senate, the political party in which fewer than half the members belong. Currently, the Democratic party is the minority party.

224
Q

mixed economy

A

a system combining characteristics of more than one type of economy. Currently, the US has a mixed economy,.

225
Q

nation

A

a area of land defined by specific political boundaries

226
Q

national security

A

the ability to keep a country safe from attack or harm.

227
Q

The Patriot Act

A

U.S. law enacted in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which gave law-enforcement officials greater ability to tap telephones and track Internet users; also called [The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001]

228
Q

natural rights

A

freedoms that freedom possess relating to life, liberty, and property

229
Q

Baron de Montesquieu

A

an Enlightenment thinker; credited for the idea of three branches and separation of powers

230
Q

Thomas Hobbes

A

an Enlightment thinker who believed a single ruler should have total authority over a people as “ the common man could not make good decisions on his own”; justified continued monarchy in England

231
Q

John Locke

A

Enlightenment thinker who believed in a “tabula rasa” or blank slate; Locke believed that all people should be guaranteed natural rights as in a state of nature people would do the right thing. He developed the idea of a social contract- a contract between the people and the government; the contract could be broken if the government was not just and fair;

232
Q

naturalization

A

a legal process to obtain citizenship

233
Q

negligence

A

a lack of proper care or attention

234
Q

neutral

A

taking no side or part in a disagreement

235
Q

nonpartisan

A

free from party ties or bias

236
Q

Northwest Ordinance

A

1787, law that set up a government for the Northwest territory and served as a model for all new territories and as plan for admitting new states to the union.

237
Q

nullify

A

to cancel legally

238
Q

open primary

A

an election in which voters need not declare their party preference

239
Q

ordinance

A

a law, usually of a city or county ( ex. Alachua County’s noise ordinance)

240
Q

ordinance of 1785

A

a law that set up a plan for surveying western lands

241
Q

original jurisdiction

A

the authority to hear cases for the first time

242
Q

pardon

A

a declaration of forgiveness and freedom from punishment

243
Q

parole

A

to grant a prisoner an early release from prison, with certain restrictions

244
Q

penal code

A

a state’s written criminal laws

245
Q

petition

A

a formal request for government action

246
Q

picketing

A

a union tactic in which striking workers walk with signs that express their grievances

247
Q

plaintiff

A

the person in a civil case who claims to have been harmed

248
Q

platform

A

the declared policy of a political party or group.

249
Q

plea bargaining

A

the process in which the defendant agrees to plead guilt to lesser crime in order to receive a lighter sentence

250
Q

plurality

A

the most votes among all those running for political office

251
Q

pocket veto

A

the president’s power to kill a bill if Congress is not in session for at least 7 days.

252
Q

political machine

A

a strong party organization that can control political appointments and deliver votes
( 1800s- Boston mob; current example- Tea Party)

253
Q

political party

A

an association of voters with broad common interest who want to influence or control decision making in government by electing the party’s candidates to public office ( major parties in US-Democratic and Republican; minor parties- Libertarian and the Green Party)

254
Q

poll tax

A

a sum of money required of voters before they are permitted to cast a ballot.

255
Q

popular referendum

A

a question placed on a ballot by a citizen petition to decide if a law should be repealed

256
Q

popular sovereignty

A

government receives its power from the people

257
Q

popular vote

A

the votes cast by individual voters in a presidential election; as opposed to the electoral vote

258
Q

pork barrel project

A

government project grant that primarily benefits the home district or state

259
Q

privatization

A

the process of changing state owned businesses, factories, and farms to private owners

260
Q

property tax

A

a tax on the value of land and property that people own. Note: property taxes are partially used to pay for schools, police, and fire services

261
Q

public good

A

an economic good that is used collectively, such as a highway or national defense.

262
Q

public opinion

A

the ideas and attitudes that most people hold about electoral office, candidates, government, and political issues

263
Q

public policy

A

the decisions and actions of a government to solve problems in a community

264
Q

quota

A

a limit on the amount of foreign goods imported into a country

265
Q

ratify

A

to approve via a vote

266
Q

recall

A

A recall election (also called a recall referendum or representative recall) is a procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote before his or her term has ended. Recalls, which are initiated when sufficient voters sign a petition,

267
Q

recession

A

a period of declining economic activity lasting 6 months or longer

268
Q

redistricting

A

the process of drawing boundaries for electoral and political districts in the U.S. and is usually done every ten years after the census.

269
Q

redress

A

payment for a wrong or loss

270
Q

referendum

A

a way for citizens to vote on state or local laws

271
Q

refugee

A

a person who has left his or her home to escape war, persecution by the government, famine, or natural disaster

272
Q

regime

A

a government that is in power

273
Q

totalitarianism

A

the political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority ( Example- North Korea)

274
Q

regulatory commission

A

independent agency created by Congress that can make rules concerning certain activities and bring violators to court ( examples: FAA, FDIC, FDA)

275
Q

rehabilitate

A

to correct a person’s behavior

276
Q

repeal

A

to cancel a law

277
Q

representative democracy

A

Simply put, a representative democracy is a system of government in which all eligible citizens vote on representatives to pass laws for them. A perfect example is the U.S., where we elect a president and members of the Congress. We also elect local and state officials. All of these elected officials supposedly listen to the populace and do what’s best for the nation, state or jurisdiction as a whole. This is the government of the US!!!!

278
Q

repression

A

preventing people from expressing themselves or from freely engaging in a normal life

279
Q

reprieve

A

an order to delay a person’s punishment until a higher court can hear the case

280
Q

reserved powers

A

powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government, but are powers for the states.

281
Q

resign

A

to give up one’s office or position

282
Q

retain

A

to keep or hold secure

283
Q

revenue

A

the money a business receives from selling its goods or services

284
Q

rider

A

a completely unrelated amendment added to a bill

285
Q

right to work laws

A

state laws forbidding unions from forcing workers to join

286
Q

roll-call vote

A

A vote in which each senator votes “yea” or “nay” as his or her name is called by the clerk, so that the names of senators voting on each side are recorded

287
Q

rule of law

A

principle that the law applies to everyone , even those who govern ( example - US v. Nixon)

288
Q

ruling

A

an official decision by a judge or court that settles a case and may also establish the meaning of law

289
Q

rural

A

less populated, having more open country side than cities and towns

290
Q

scarcity

A

the situation of not having enough resources to satisfy one’s wants

291
Q

search warrant

A

a court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect’s home or business and take specific items as evidence.

292
Q

self-incrimination

A

giving evidence that could lead to one being found guilty of a crime

293
Q

seniority

A

years of service, which is used as a consideration for assigning committee members

294
Q

separation of powers

A

the split authority among the legislature, executive, and judicial branches

295
Q

session

A

a meeting of a legislative or judicial body to conduct business

296
Q

slander

A

spoken untruths that are harmful to someone’s reputation

297
Q

smuggling

A

the act of importing or exporting goods secretly, in violation of law and especially without paying a tax on the goods.

298
Q

social contract

A

an agreement among people in a society with government

299
Q

socialism

A

system in which government owns some factors of production and distributes the products and wages

300
Q

social responsibility

A

the obligation a business has to pursue goals that benefit society as well as itself

301
Q

special session

A

a legislative meeting called for a specific purpose

302
Q

spoils system

A

rewarding people with government jobs on the basis of political support

303
Q

standard of living

A

the material well-being of an individual, a group, or a nation as measured on how well their needs and wants are being satisfied.

304
Q

state

A

a smaller political unit within a nation ( US has 50 states)

305
Q

strike

A

when workers deliberately stop working in order to force an employer to give in to their demands.

306
Q

submit

A

to offer a bill for consideration

307
Q

subpoena

A

an order that requires a person to appear in court

308
Q

subsidize

A

to add or support a person, business, or an institution or an undertaking with money or tax breaks

309
Q

suburb

A

a community near a larger city

310
Q

suffrage

A

the right to vote

311
Q

summons

A

a notice directing someone to appear in court to answer a complaint or a charge

312
Q

supremacy clause

A

the Constitution says that any federal laws that are made according to the Constitution are the supreme laws. That means that state laws that go against federal laws are not valid. Even state courts must follow federal law before state law.

313
Q

surplus

A

a situation in which the amount of goods and service supplied by the producer is greater than the demand from the consumers. Creates cheaper prices.

314
Q

tariff

A

a tax on imported goods

315
Q

tenure

A

the right to hold an office; once a person is confirmed in office ( ex: Obama’s tenure is 2008-2016)

316
Q

third party

A

a political party that challenge the major 2 parties in the US ( ex. The Green party)

317
Q

3/5 Compromise

A

agreement providing that enslaved persons would could as 3/5 of other persons in determining representation of Congress

318
Q

tort

A

a wrongful act or an infringement of a right (other than under contract) leading to civil legal liability.

319
Q

trade sanction

A

an effort to punish another nation by imposing trade barriers

320
Q

trade war

A

economic conflict that occurs when one or more nations put up trade barriers to punish another nation for trade barriers erected against them

321
Q

traditional economy

A

an economy system in which the decisions of what, how, and for whom to produce are based on custom or habit.

322
Q

transparency

A

process of making government or business deals more open to the public

323
Q

treaty

A

an agreement under international law entered into by actors in international law, namely sovereign states and international organizations

324
Q

trial court

A

type of court in which a judge or jury listens to the evidence and reaches a verdict or decision in favor of one party in the case.

325
Q

unanimous decision

A

The Supreme Court rules on a case in which all justices agree on the ruling.

326
Q

unicameral

A

having one house legislature

327
Q

violate

A

breaking a law

328
Q

voter turnout rate

A

percentage of eligible voters who actually vote. In US, the voter turnout rate is low

329
Q

watchdog

A

the role played by a media organization that exposes illegal practices or waste

330
Q

weapons of mass destruction

A

a weapon that can kill a large number of people as well as damage or destroy a large physical area.

331
Q

welfare

A

the health, prosperity ,and happiness of members of a community

332
Q

winner take all system

A

a system in which the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state usually receives all the electoral college votes.

333
Q

Writ of Certiorari

A

an order a higher court issues to a lower court to obtain the records of he lower court of a particular case

334
Q

writ of Habeas Corpus

A

a court order that requires police to bring a prisoner to a court to explain why the person is being held

335
Q

abolitionist

A

one who worked to permanently end slavery

336
Q

Dred Scott decision

A

The Supreme Court ruled that black people were not citizens and had no right to sue in a court of law. Effectively, the Dred Scott decision set up a system in which slaves were considered “property”

337
Q

Emancipation Proclamation

A

In 1863, ordered by President Lincoln, it declared that all slaves were freed. The southern states ignored this proclamation; however, it was a political sign of progress to end slavery.

338
Q

13th Amendment

A

outlaws slavery in US

339
Q

14th Amendment

A

gave all citizens due process and equal protection under the law

340
Q

15th Amendment

A

gave all men the right to vote despite race

341
Q

Jim Crow Laws

A

Jim Crow laws were laws in the South based on race. They enforced segregation between white people and black people in public places such as schools, transportation, restrooms, and restaurants. They also made it difficult for black people to vote.

342
Q

Civil Rights Act of 1964

A

prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, and national origin. Includes discrimination in the workplace, public spaces, schools and voting

343
Q

Civil Rights Act of 1965

A

prohibits any restriction on the right to vote - including poll taxes and literacy tests

344
Q

Loving v. Virginia 1967

A

State laws banning interracial marriage was unconstitutional

Civics (1 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions