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14th Amendment
| This guarantees equal protection to all citizens, and applies the Bill of Rights to state and local governments (known as incorporation). |
Citizen
| A person who is a legal member of a country by birth or by law |
English Bill of Rights
| An act passed by Parliament in 1659 which limited the power of the monarchs. The United States later adopted this concept of limited government into it Constitution |
Common Law
| The body of unwritten law based on customs and the decisions of judges. It originated in England and was later applied in the United States. |
Delegated Powers
| Powers specifically given to Congress by the U.S. Constitution found in Article One, Section Eight. For example: raising an army, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce. |
18th Amendment
| This established prohibition (outlawing alcohol), later repealed by the 21st Amendment. |
Checks and Balances
| The way in which the powers of government are divided among the three branches so that each branch may limit the other branches. For example: the President may vto laws passed by Congress; Congress can override presidential vetoes; while the Supreme Court may declare laws unconstitutional. |
Eminent Domain
| Power of the government to take private property for public use as long as a fair price is paid (just compensation). This power is found under the 5th Amendment. |
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