Unit 1 L&S

Human rights

All rights granted to a person when they are born. Rights are related to education, freedom (religious and political), liberty, voting, and economic well-being

Felony

A serious criminal offense (crime). Typically has a longer sentence, greater than a year

Misdemeanor

A less serious criminal offense (crime). Typically has a shorter sentence, less than a year

Plaintiff

One who starts a lawsuit against another (defendant).

Defendant

In criminal law, a defendant is someone who is accused of committing a crime. In civil law, a defendant is someone being sued by the plaintiff

Prosecutor

Lawyer who brings criminal charges against the defendant

Statute

A law passed by a legislative body

Federal statute

A law passed by Congress (federal legislative body)

State statute

A law passed by state legislatures, does not affect entire nation

Veto

To refuse a decision made by a legislative body

Checks and balances

System in the U.S. government where all three branches (legislative, judicial, executive) have power by limiting or blocking actions from each other

Federalism

A type of government where there is one central government alongside regional governments. Power is divided between governments

Law

Rules and regulations made and enforced by government that regulate the conduct of people within a society

Moral values

What a society believes to be right or wrong

Economic values

Wealth - how it’s accumulated, protected, used, and distributed

Political values

Relationship between individuals and government

Social value

What is important to a society - can change

Criminal laws

Used by the government to regulate people - contain penalties for rule breakers

Civil laws

Regulates relationships between individuals

Bystander effect

A phenomenon that occurs when a person’s behavior is influenced by the presence of others, making them less likely to offer help to a victim

Constitution

Established governing document in the United States, puts laws to govern the country

Legislatures

Considered primary lawmakers in the United States

Congress

Federal legislature, contains 2 houses - Senate and House of Representatives

Bicameral

When a government’s legislative body is split into two sections

Supremacy clause

Writing in Constitution that states that federal law is the supreme law of the land

Ordinance

A law passed in a county, city, or town

Advocacy

The act or process of supporting a cause or proposal

Lobbying

Allows a person or group to influence lawmaking by working to convince lawmakers to be on their side

Referendum

Principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative