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