Government AIR Test

Negotiation

A process of settling differences through a discussion of issues.

Consensus Building

Process of working toward achieving general agreement within a group.

Persuasion

Process of inducing (convincing) others into accepting a point of view by means of reasoning and argumentation.

Compromise

Process of making concessions (giving something up) to settle differences.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government and provided limited powers to Congress.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, adopted in 1787, which established the framework of the federal government and guaranteed individual rights.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution, outlining its purposes and guiding principles, such as justice, liberty, and the general welfare.

Articles of the Constitution

The sections of the U.S. Constitution that detail how government functions, including the framework for Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary. Seven Articles

Amendment Ratification Process

The procedure by which amendments to the U.S. Constitution are proposed and approved, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Bill of Rights (1-10)

The amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms.

Reconstruction (13,14,15)

The period following the Civil War during which the U.S. government implemented policies to integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society, including the amendments that abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and ensured voting rights.

Prohibition (18&21)

The period in U.S. history during which the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned, enforced by the ___ Amendment and later repealed by the ___ Amendment.

Presidential (12,20,22,25)

amendments that establish the presidential election process, term limits, and succession protocols.

Suffrage/voting (15,19,23,24,26)

The legal right to vote, particularly the movements and amendments aimed at granting voting rights to various groups, including (African American men), (women), (elimination of poll taxes).

Progressive Amendments (16,17,18,19)

A series of constitutional amendments adopted in the early 20th century aimed at addressing social issues and improving democracy in the United States. These amendments included women's suffrage, income tax, direct election of senators, and prohibition.

Article I

This article of the US Constitution outlines the legislative branch of the federal government, detailing the powers and duties of Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Article II

This article of the US Constitution establishes the executive branch of the federal government, delineating the powers and responsibilities of the President, including the execution of laws and appointment of officials.

Article III

This article of the US Constitution creates the judicial branch of the federal government, establishing the Supreme Court and lower courts. It defines their jurisdiction and the authority to interpret laws and adjudicate legal disputes.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are deemed necessary for the government to function effectively.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are ________ for the states. These include powers such as regulating intrastate commerce and managing state education systems.

Gridlock

A situation in government where opposing parties cannot agree, resulting in the inability to pass legislation or make decisions.

Recession

An economic decline characterized by a decrease in GDP, increased unemployment, and a reduction in consumer spending.

Unemployment (economy)

The situation where a portion of the labor force is unable to find employment despite actively seeking work, typically rising during economic downturns like recessions.

Article IV

Defines the relationship between the states and the federal government, outlining key aspects of federalism.

Article V

Outlines the process for proposing and ratifying amendments to the Constitution

Article VI

Referred to as the Supremacy Clause, establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land

Article VII

Details the process for ratification of the Constitution by the states.

Incorporation

is the legal doctrine that applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.