Civics

Pluralism

A belief in and promotion of the diversity of different cultures and groups within a society.

Melting Pot

A metaphor for a society where many different types of people blend together as one.

Discrimination

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people.

Responsibilities

Duties or actions that individuals are obligated to perform.

Dream Act

Legislation aimed at providing a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.

Traditional Economy

An economic system that relies on customs, history, and time-honored beliefs.

Command Economy

An economic system where the government makes all economic decisions.

Market Economy

An economic system based on supply and demand with little or no government control.

Socialism

An economic and political system in which the means of production are owned and regulated by the community as a whole.

Duties

Tasks or activities that are part of one's job or responsibility.

Rights

Legal entitlements that are granted to individuals.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society.

Racism

Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and fixed ideas about a particular group of people.

Family

A fundamental social group consisting of parents and their children.

Religion

A system of beliefs and practices regarding the sacred and divine.

Education

The systematic process of gaining knowledge and skills through instruction.

Economy

The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Government

The governing body of a nation, state, or community.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Equality

The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Freedom

The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods.

Justice

The principle of moral rightness; fairness.

15th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen's right to vote based on race.

19th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote.

Civil Disobedience

The active refusal to obey certain laws as a form of nonviolent resistance.

26th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that lowered the voting age to 18 years.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a

Anarchy

A state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority.

Green Card

A permit allowing a foreign national to live and work permanently in the U.S.

Bracero Program

A series of laws and diplomatic agreements, initiated in 1942, allowing temporary labor of Mexican workers in the U.S.

Dictator

A ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained power by force.

Totalitarian

A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Parliamentary

A system of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the legislature.

Monarchy

A form of government with a monarch at the head.

Ways to be a Citizen

Various methods through which individuals can acquire citizenship in a country.

Naturalization

The legal process by which a non-citizen can become a citizen.

Communism

A political and economic ideology that aims for a classless system in which the means of production are owned communally.

IRCA

Immigration Reform and Control Act, legislation that made significant changes to U.S. immigration law.

Arizona SB1070

A controversial Arizona law that aimed to deter illegal immigration by allowing law enforcement to check immigration status.

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program that protects eligible immigrant youth from deportation.