Civics

Civics

The study of the rights and duties of citizenship.

Citizen

Having full membership in a nation's political community, granting you certain rights and responsibilities.

Asia (2007)

The group that accounts for the largest share of newcomers to the United States.

Service Economy

An economy in which most people work in services such as health, education, and law.

Basic American Values

Individualism, equality, democracy, liberty, unity, and diversity.

Institution

A well-established, important entity.

Naturalization

The process of becoming an American citizen, which includes applying, passing an interview, a civics test, and taking an oath.

Democracy in the US

The type of government practiced in the United States.

Colonial Origins

The United States was originally a colony of Britain.

Enlightenment Movement

The movement that influenced the ideas of the American Revolution.

Social Contract

An agreement between a community and its rulers.

New England Colonies

Colonies focusing on shipbuilding located in the northern region of America.

Southern Colonies

Colonies focused on agriculture located in the southern region of America.

Founding Fathers

Leaders who played a key role in establishing the United States, including Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams.

Fourth of July

Celebration of America's independence from England.

Constitution

The document that is the basis of all US laws.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the US that failed due to a weak central government.

Great Compromise

A proposed solution for a bicameral legislature, creating the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for population representation.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported a strong central government; Anti-Federalists advocated for more power in individual states.

Amendment

A formal change or addition to the U.S. Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system to prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual liberties.

Duties of a Citizen

Actively participating in the community and government.

Responsibilities of a Citizen

Obeying laws, paying taxes, voting, and serving on juries.

Bureaucracies

Organizational structures that help run the county effectively through hierarchy and specialization.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

Bicameral Congress

Congress consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Census

A population count conducted every 10 years.

House of Representatives

A body of Congress with 435 members, varying by state population.

Speaker of the House

The leader of the House of Representatives.

Senate

A body of Congress with 100 members, two senators per state.

Congressional Powers

Powers including declaring war, proposing amendments, and collecting taxes.

Bill to Law Process

The procedure of introducing a bill, reviewing it, passing both houses, and receiving presidential approval.

Executive Branch

The branch responsible for enforcing laws.

Electoral College

The group that elects the president based on electors from each state.

270 Electoral Votes

The number of votes needed to win the presidency.

Presidential Terms

A maximum of two terms for a president.

Roles of the President

Chief executive, commander in chief, chief diplomat, ceremonial head of state, and chief politician.

Vice President

The role that can become president if necessary and votes in case of a tie.

Cabinet

Advisors to the president including heads of various departments.

Federal Bureaucracy

Enforces policies and manages day-to-day operations.

Removal of President

Occurs through impeachment by the House and trial by the Senate.

Judicial Branch

The branch responsible for interpreting and applying laws.

Jurisdiction

The authority a court has to hear and decide a case.

Exclusive vs. Concurrent Jurisdiction

Exclusive means only one court can hear a case; concurrent means multiple courts can hear it.

Levels of Federal Courts

Supreme Court (final appellate), Court of Appeals (appellate), District Courts (trial).

Precedent

A previous ruling used as a guide for future cases.

Supreme Court Justice Appointment

Nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare acts unconstitutional.

Defendant

The person accused of a crime in a trial.

Role of Jury

Determining the facts of a case and applying the law.

Political Party

A group with shared beliefs organizing to influence policy and win elections.

Democratic Party

Progressive policies emphasizing socioeconomic equality and federal regulation.

Republican Party

Conservatism with emphasis on limited government and individual liberties.

Political Party Platform

A formal statement of a party's principles and goals.

National Committee

Leadership responsible for coordinating party activities and strategies.

Primary Election Purpose

To nominate candidates for the general election.

Open vs. Closed Primary

Open allows any voter to participate; closed restricts to party members.

Voting Restrictions in Early America

Only white men who owned property could vote.

Ballot

A device used to cast votes in an election.

Reasons for Not Voting

Practical difficulties or disillusionment with the political process.

Electoral College Process

System for electing the President and Vice President.

Winner-Take-All System

The candidate with the most votes wins all electoral votes from that area.

Campaign Trail Activities

Engaging voters and gaining support during elections.

Public Opinion

Collective beliefs and attitudes towards certain issues.

Role of Mass Media

Informing the public, shaping opinion, and influencing politics.

Interest Groups

Organizations aiming to influence public policy based on common interests.

Measuring Public Opinion

Using surveys, polls, and focus groups.

Political Information Leak

When a politician reveals information meant to be confidential.