American Give test 1

Government

System or group governing an organized community.

Impeachment

Process of charging a government official with misconduct.

Electoral College

Body that elects the President and Vice President of the U.S.

Separation of Powers

Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

Recall Election

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Equality

Principle that all individuals should be treated the same under the law.

Direct Democracy

System where decisions are made directly by the vote of the citizens.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the U.S., interprets the constitution and laws.

Property

Ownership of physical or intangible assets.

Political Culture

The set of shared beliefs, values, and practices regarding governance.

Natural Law

Theory that certain rights are inherent by virtue of human nature.

Federalist

Supporter of a strong central government as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Confederation

A union of sovereign groups or states united for purposes of common action.

Constitution

The foundational document outlining the structure and principles of government.

Anti-Federalist

Opponent of a strong central government; favored states' rights.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Social Contract

Theory stating that individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Checks and Balances

Mechanism that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

Legitimacy of Government

The justified use of power by the government.

U.S. Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, with equal representation from each state.

Patriotism

Love for or devotion to one’s country.

Declaration of Independence

Document asserting the independence of the colonies from British rule.

Traditional Conservative

A political ideology that promotes retaining traditional institutions.

Colonist

An early settler in a new territory.

Liberals

Supporters of social equality and reforms.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., establishing a weak federal government.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs.

Efficacy

The belief that one's actions can influence political processes.

Libertarians

Advocates for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.