congressional record
the written account of everything said in Congress
treason
to try to overthrow your country’s government or help your country’s enemies during war
bill
a proposed law
upper house
Senate
override a veto
to review a President’s veto and vote to still pass the bill; this must be completed in both houses of Congress
search warrant
a document that lists the objects being looked for and where it will be looked for
elastic clause
this allows the Constitution to be stretched in order to make changes that are necessary
staggered terms
this is used in the Senate to ensure that there are always some Senators with experience/knowledge in the Senate. It means that 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection every 2 years
quartering troops
to allow soldiers to stay in your home
census
a count of the citizens of US that is taken every 10 years
lower house
house of representatives
perjury
to lie
taking the 5th
a person does not have to testify against themselves
popular sovereignty
the idea that the government’s authority comes from the people
domestic
within the country
separation of powers
a principle that divides the functions of government among the three branches
interstate commerce
trade and other business dealings between two or more states
federalism
the Constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments
majority rule
principle says laws are passed by majority vote and elections are decided by majority of voters
interest group
an organization that promotes the view of some part of the public on specific issues in order to influence government policy
bill of rights
a formal listing of the basic rights of US citizens; first 10 amendments
warrant
an order from a judge that authorizes police or other officials to take a certain action, such as searching someone’s property
self-incimination
giving testimony that can be used against oneself
due process
the concept that the government must follow clear rules and act reasonably as it carries out laws
defendant
a person who is required to defend himself in a legal action