U4 TTK (Am gov)

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Popular Sovereignty

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states).

Federalism

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Separation of Powers

The minimum number of members required to be present for the proceedings of a meeting to be valid.

Quorum

The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Veto

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Enumerated Power

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

Reserved Power

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

Concurrent Power

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

Marbury vs. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review. Date: Decided in 1803. Historical Significance: It affirmed the judiciary's role in interpreting the Constitution and invalidating unconstitutional laws.

Marbury vs. Madison

The official count of the population, typically conducted every ten years. Date: First conducted in 1790. Historical Significance: It determines representation in Congress and allocation of federal funds.

Census

The body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President. Date: Established in the Constitution in 1787. Historical Significance: It balances the influence of populous states with less populous ones in presidential elections.

Electoral College

The practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another. Date: Coined in 1812. Historical Significance: It can distort representative democracy by diluting the voting power of particular groups.

Gerrymandering

A formal statement of disapproval, often used in legislative contexts. Date: Used in Congress since the 19th century. Historical Significance: It serves as a disciplinary measure without removing an official from office.

Censure

A platform or podium used for public speaking. Date: Usage in legislative contexts has been ongoing since the establishment of Congress. Historical Significance: It symbolizes the importance of public discourse and debate in democratic governance.

Rostrum

The process of charging a government official with misconduct. Date: Established in the Constitution in 1787. Historical Significance: It allows Congress to hold officials accountable and maintain government integrity.

Impeach

The legal principle that a person cannot be tried twice for the same offense. Date: Established in the Fifth Amendment (1791). Historical Significance: It protects individuals from governmental abuse and ensures fairness in legal proceedings.

Double Jeopardy

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution. Date: Established by Marbury vs. Madison in 1803. Historical Significance: It upholds the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and protects individual rights against legislative overreach.

Judicial Review

A parliamentary procedure that allows one or more members to delay or prevent a vote on a proposal. Date: Evolved in the Senate in the 19th century. Historical Significance: It serves as a tool for minority parties to influence legislation and debate in the Senate.

Filibuster