Government Vocabulary test

Social Contract Theory

The authority to rule is granted to the government by the people who make a contract with the government

Intolerant

Being unwilling to accept or respect beliefs opinions, or behaviors that differ from one’s own, often leading to prejudice

Coercive Acts

A series of British laws passed in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party

Unalienable

Also known as inalienable, unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor

Political Party

A group of people with broad common interests who organize to win elections control government, and thereby influence government policies

Candidate

A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election

Voting

Cause to gain or lose a particular post by honor

Closed primary

Only voters belonging to the party can vote in the state’s primary

Open primary

Voter of either party can vote the primary election within a state

Electoral college

The collective group of people who officially vote to elect the president

Political Action Committee

Groups create by interest groups to raise money to support candidate

Primaries

A preliminary election to appoint delegates to a party conference or to select the candidates for a principal

Majority Rule

More than half must vote yes in order for something to happen

Lobbyist

A person who takes part in an organized attempt to influence legislators

Interest group

A group that is determined to encourage or prevent changes in public policy

Filibuster

An action such as a prolonged speech obstructs progress in a legislative assembly without technically blocking the required procedure

Executive Branch

Carry out and enforce laws passed by congress, the president, and his cabinet

Cabinet

Advisory body made up of executive departments-give the president advice on their specialized fields

Foreign Policy

Goals and strategies that guide a nation’s relations with other countries and groups in the world

Isolationism

avoiding involvement in world affairs

Internationalism

The belief in being active involved in world affairs

Sanctions

Measures such as withholding loans, arms, or economic aid to force a foreign government to cease certain activities

Original Jurisdiction

The authority to be the first court to hear a case

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority for a court to hear a case on appeal must be followed

Due process of law

The rules, rights, and procedures of the legal system must be followed for every person accused

Precedent

A court decision that serves as a guide for future cases with similar issues/facts

Incorporation

Extending the rights found in the bill of rights at the state level

Substantive due process

Protects fundamental rights from government overreach ensuring laws are fair

Affirmative action

A policy of making reasonable efforts to improve workplace and education opportunities for all groups

Opportunity cost

What people give up when they make a choice to have a single want satisfied

Recession

Significant decline in economic activity that lasts for more than a few months

Gross Domestic Product

Total number of goods and services produced within a country’s own borders

Fiscal Policy

The government’s use of taxing and spending to influence the economy

Monetary Policy

Controlling the supply of money and credit