| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Separation of Powers | The power of the government is divided between the Congress, the President and the people |
| Opposition to the Constitution | People who were upset that the Constitution did not originally have a Bill of Rights |
| "Living Document" | The Constitution can be changed when needed |
| Elastic Clause | Gives Congress implied powers not specifically stated in the Constitution |
| Similarities between Declaration of Independence and Constitution | They both state that the government gains authority from the people |
| Due Process | Everyone has the right to trial/hearing after being arrested |
| Shared Powers | National and State governments share certain powers (example- the power to tax) |
| Amending the Constitution | Needs approval of two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states |
| Limited Government | The government should not interfere in the daily lives of people. Government's power is limited |
| Limiting Freedom of Speech | Government is allowed to limit freedom of speech if it endangers public safety. |
| Checks and Balances | Each branch/level of government has some power or "check" on each other. |
| Judicial Review | The courts are allowed to rule whether a law is constitutional or not |
| Referendum | When voters are allowed to vote on an issue that is placed on the ballot |
| Civil Rights Legislation | Purpose of this legislation is to promote equity. |
| Marbury v. Madison | Established the right of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of federal law (judicial review) |
| Protection against unreasonable search and seizure | Illegally obtain evidence cannot be used against someone in court |
| Eminent Domain | The government can take away someone's private property for public use |
| Writ of Habeas Corpus | You cannot be jailed without knowing the charges against you |
| Fair Trial | Defendant must know the charges against them, trial must begin within a reasonable amount of time, allowed to have a jury of their peers, prevent media bias |
| Censorship | The government preventing someone for speaking their mind or expressing an idea |
| Double Jeopardy | You cannot be tried for the same crime twice |
| McCulloch v. Maryland | Supreme Court Case that established the supremacy of the federal government over the state government |
| Magna Carta | Document that Limited the power of England's King in 1215 |
| English Bill of Rights | Set limits on what a ruler could and could not do (limited government). Gave people basic rights. |
| Popular Sovereignty | Rule by the people, people give their consent to be governed, government's authority comes from the people |
| Mayflower Compact | Early American written Constitution |
| Articles of Confederation | Constitution type document that existed before the current Constitution |
| Ratify | To approve a vote |
| Constitution | Written rules the government must follow. Limits the power of the government. |
| Preamble | Introductory statement or states the purpose of a written document |
| Bill of Rights | First 10 amendments of the Constitution. Guarantees people certain rights. |
| Amendments | Additions to the Constitution |
| Petition | Citizens adding an item to vote on, usually done by gaining signatures |
| Nomination | To recommend someone for a position |
Combine with other sets
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace