U.S. Constitution Vocab List #2

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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 object(s) being looked for and where it will be looked for (person, place, and thing)

elastic clause

this allows the constitution to be *stretched* *(like an elastic band, for those of you that are slow)* 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 the USA that is taken every 10 years

lower house

house of representatives (HofR)

perjury

to lie

taking the 5th

a person does not have to testify against themselves “I take the 5th”

popular sovereignty

the idea that the government’s authority comes from the people within the country

domestic

within the country

separation of powers

a principle that divides the functions of the 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 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-incrimination

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 legal action