C963 American Politics and Constitution

A set of flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from American Politics and the Constitution.

Natural Rights

The rights to life, liberty, and property believed to be given by God that no government may take away.

Due Process

The requirement for fair procedures that the government applies equally to all when dealing with people.

Social Contract

A foundational agreement between people and government where citizens consent to be governed as long as their natural rights are protected.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy where people make government decisions personally rather than through representatives.

Declaration of Independence

The document authored by Thomas Jefferson declaring the United States' independence and listing natural rights and grievances against the King of England.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, listing citizens' civil liberties and rights.

Bicameral Legislature

A lawmaking body that consists of two separate chambers, such as the House of Representatives and Senate.

Montesquieu

An influential philosopher who argued for the separation of powers in government.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Impeachment

A process for removing government officials suspected of high crimes or misdemeanors requiring a majority vote in the House and a two-thirds Senate majority for conviction.

Checks and Balances

System that prevents any one branch of government from gaining complete power by allowing each branch to monitor and influence the others.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between state governments and a national government.

Reserved Powers

Powers not explicitly granted to the federal government or prohibited to the states, reserved for the states.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly given to the federal government by the Constitution.

Elastic Clause

Also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, it allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

Veto

The power of the president to reject a law passed by Congress.

Political Ideologies

A coherent philosophy about the structure, power, and purpose of government, including liberal, conservative, and others.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing electoral boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Pocket Veto

A presidential veto that occurs when Congress adjourns during the 10-day period after the bill is sent to the president and the president does not sign it.

Supermajority

A requirement for a proposal to gain a higher level of support than a simple majority, often two-thirds.

Filibuster

A political procedure used to extend debate on a proposal, typically in the U.S. Senate, to delay or prevent legislative action.