STUDY GUIDE U.S

Jurisdiction

The extent or scope of authority a court has to hear and decide a case.

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to be the trial courts where cases are heard.

Appellate jurisdiction

The power of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

District courts

Trial courts that hold trials.

Appellate courts

Courts that decide if an original trial was fair or constitutional.

Judicial review

The power of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of laws, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Civil cases

Cases related to the rights of citizens.

Criminal cases

Cases where a crime has been committed.

Gerrymandering

Redistricting of election boundaries to favor one party over another.

Political Action Committees (PAC)

Organizations formed to raise money for political campaigns.

Mass media

Methods of communicating with large numbers of people.

Fake news

Misleading or false information presented as news.

Political parties

Groups that organize to win elections, influence public policy, and have control in government.

Citizenship

Membership in a country, entitling one to full rights and responsibilities under the country's laws.

Naturalization

The process of becoming a citizen, usually requiring residency and a civics test.

Patriotism

A deep bond and love for one's country.

Selective Service

The draft requiring male citizens to register for military service by age 18.

Treason

The crime of betraying one's country, punishable by death.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual rights.