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Majority Rule
| A principle of democracy whereby the great number of votes should elect officials, pass laws, and determine governmental policies. |
Equal Protection Under Law
| The right of all persons to have the same access to the law and courts, and to be treated ezually by the law, the courts, and by government. This right is found in the 14th Amendment. |
Veto
| Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature. This power belongs to both the President of the U.S. and the Governor of a state. |
Federalists
| The name given to the supporters of a strong national (federal) government who urged approval (ratification) of the U.S. Constitution by the thirteen original states. |
Judicial Review
| The power of the Supreme Court to determine if a government law or action is constitutional or unconsitutional. This power was established in the 1803 case of Marbury vs. Madison. |
Magna Carta
| A document drawn up by English nobles in 1215 that limited the King's power, spelled out certain rights, and recognized that all people, including the government and monarch, are subject to the law. |
Mayflower Compact
| This was the governing document of the Plymouth Colony founded in 1620 and became the first basis of written laws in the New World. It was named after the ship that brought the Pilgrims. |
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