Participation in Government Unit 1 Vocab

Natural Rights

The basic rights that all individuals are inherently entitled to, including life, liberty, and property. These rights are considered universal and fundamental to human existence.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law, ensuring fairness and justice.

Federalism 

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, typically states or provinces. This structure allows for multiple levels of government to coexist and function simultaneously.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, which are reserved for the states. This includes areas such as education and local law enforcement.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, allowing it to operate effectively in areas such as defense, currency, and interstate commerce.

Common Law

System of law developed overtime through judicial decisions, based on precedent, rather than through legislative statutes. 

Statutory Law

Laws enacted by a legislative body, distinguishing them from common law, which is based on judicial decisions.

Amendment

A formal change or addition to the Constitution, typically requiring approval by a supermajority of Congress and ratification by the states.

Government

System or group of people responsible for controlling and administering a country, state, or community, responsible for creating, enforcing, and interpreting the law.

Executive Branch

Branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws (includes the President, Vice President, Cabinet)

Legislative Branch

Branch of government responsible for creating and drafting proposed laws (includes Congress, which is made up of the Senate and House of Representatives)

Judicial Branch

Branch of government responsible for interpreting the law and for resolving legal disputes (includes Supreme Court  and other federal courts)

POTUS

President of the United States

SCOTUS

Supreme Court of the United States