 | Term | Definition |
| |
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This established prohibition (outlawing alcohol), later repealed by the 21st Amendment.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. |
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace