AP Government & Politics - Unit 3 Vocabulary

Civil Liberties

Personal freedoms guaranteed by law, such as freedom of speech, religion, and privacy

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, often focused on preventing discrimination and ensuring equal treatment under the law

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual rights and freedoms

Due Process Clause

A clause in the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution that prohibits states from denying any person "the right to life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."

Selective Incorporation

The legal doctrine that applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause, ensuring individual rights are protected at both federal and state levels

Establishment Clause

A provision in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another

Free Exercise Clause

A provision in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely, without government interference

Lemon Test

A three-pronged legal standard used by courts to determine if a law or government action violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, evaluating its secular purpose, primary effect, and entanglement with religion

Freedom of Expression

The right to express one's thoughts, opinions, and beliefs without government restraint, encompassing speech, press, assembly, and petition

Clear and Present Danger Test

A legal doctrine used to determine when limitations can be placed on free speech, specifically when such speech poses a clear and present danger to public safety or national security

Prior Restraint

A government action that prohibits speech or other expression before it can take place, often deemed unconstitutional except under exceptional circumstances

Symbolic Speech

Nonverbal communication that conveys a message, often protected under the First Amendment, such as flag burning or wearing armbands

Libel

A false written statement that defames an individual or entity, potentially leading to legal action against the publisher

Slander

A false spoken statement that defames an individual or entity, which can result in legal action against the speaker

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws that criminalize actions retroactively, which are prohibited by the Constitution

Bills of Attainder

Legislative acts that punish individuals or groups without a trial, which are prohibited by the Constitution

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal order requiring that a person held in custody be brought before a court to determine the legality of their detention

Due Process

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system

Warrant

A legal document issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement to conduct a search, seizure, or arrest

Probable Cause

The standard by which law enforcement has the grounds to make an arrest, conduct a personal or property search, or obtain a warrant

Exclusionary Rule

A legal doctrine that prevents evidence collected in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights from being used in a court of law

Grand Jury

A group of citizens convened to examine the validity of an accusation before trial, determining whether there is probable cause to bring criminal charges

Double Jeopardy

The legal principle that prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction

Miranda Rights

Rights read to a detained individual informing them of their right to remain silent and to have an attorney, established by the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona

Bail

Money or property given to the court to secure the release of a defendant from custody before trial, ensuring their appearance in court

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

A legal principle prohibiting severe or excessive punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Equal Protection Clause

A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that requires states to treat individuals equally under the law, preventing discrimination

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime

Fourteenth Amendment

Grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and provides equal protection under the law, significantly impacting civil rights

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on" race, color, or previous condition of servitude

Affirmative Action

A policy designed to improve opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in education and employment

Social Movement

Organized efforts to promote or resist social change, often focusing on issues like civil rights, gender equality, or environmental protection

Civil Disobedience

The refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government, often in a peaceful manner, to advocate for social change or justice

Nineteenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote in the United States, ratified in 1920

Title IX

A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding, significantly impacting women's athletics and educational opportunities