United States Government and Constitutional Principles

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental principles of U.S. government, the branches of government, constitutional amendments, and key legal concepts based on the lecture transcript.

Popular Sovereignty

the people, who have the power to choose their government and leaders.

Rule of Law

everyone must follow the law, including government officials.

Limited Government

Government power is limited by the Constitution and laws.

Federalism

Power is divided and shared between the federal government and state governments.

Republicanism

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Separation of Powers

Government power is divided among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.

Individual Rights

Basic freedoms and protections guaranteed to individuals.

Natural Rights

Rights people are born with, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Consent of the Governed

Government gets its authority from the people.

Due Process

The requirement that the government must follow fair legal procedures.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States.

Supreme Law of the Land

The Constitution has the highest legal authority in the United States.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws.

Amendment

A formal change or addition to the Constitution.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution that explains its purposes.

Declaration of Independence

Declared the American colonies independent from Great Britain in 1776.

3rd Amendment

Limits the quartering of soldiers in private homes.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Protects due process and the right against self-incrimination.

6th Amendment

Protects the rights of people accused of crimes, including a speedy public trial and a lawyer.

7th Amendment

Protects the right to a jury trial in certain civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

People have rights beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment

Established citizenship and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Protected voting rights regardless of race.

19th Amendment

Protected women's right to vote.

24th Amendment

Prohibited poll taxes in federal elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws and the Constitution.

Congress

The legislative branch, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives.

House of Representatives

One chamber of Congress where representation is based on state population.

Senate

One chamber of Congress where each state has two senators.

President

The head of the executive branch.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States.

Federal Courts

Courts that handle cases involving federal law and the Constitution.

Veto

The President's power to reject a bill.

Override a Veto

Congress can pass a bill over a presidential veto with enough votes.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine whether laws or government actions are constitutional.

Impeachment

The process of charging a federal official with serious misconduct.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution.

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.