Vocabulary 10-12

Bill of Rights

a formal listing of the basic rights of U.S. citizens

defendant

a person who is required to defend himself or herself in a legal action. An example is an accused person who is put on trial for a crime.

double jeopardy

putting a person on trial more than once for the same crime

due process

the concept that the government must follow clear rules and act reasonably as it carries out the law

self-incrimination

giving testimony that can be used against oneself

warrant

an order from a judge that authorizes police or other officials to take a certain action, such as searching someone's property

accumulated

to increase in quantity or size over time

exert

to put out effort to make something happen

finances

the money that a person, company, or nation has, and how it is managed

loose construction

a broad interpretation of the Constitution, meaning that Congress has powers beyond those specifically given in the Constitution

nullify

to refuse to recognize a federal law. This action by a state is called nullification.

reluctant

to have hesitation or an unwillingness to do something

resolution

statement of a formal decision agreed on by a group

sedition

the crime of encouraging rebellion against the government

States' Doctrine

the theory that rights not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution remain with the states

strict construction

a narrow interpretation of the Constitution, meaning that Congress has only those powers specifically given in the Constitution

Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington's parting message to the nation, given in 1796, in which he warned of threats to the nation's future

Whiskey Rebellion

a revolt by farmers in 1794 against an excise tax on whiskey

blockade

a closing off of an area to keep people or supplies from going in or out

cease

to stop doing something

embargo

a government order that forbids trade with another country

isolationism

A policy of avoiding political or military involvement with other countries

liberated

to free

Monroe Doctrine

President James Monroe's declaration in 1823 that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to European colonization

neutrality

a policy of not choosing sides in a dispute or war between other countries

pursue

to follow, as in a goal or purpose

signifies

to mean or represent