Civics Concepts

establish justice

Uniform and independent courts, fair trials

insure domestic tranquility

Maintenance of tranquility at home

common defense

Fend off land/sea attacks, no state help

general welfare

Every citizen is to benefit, ownership of land

secure liberty

Create a nation of permanent liberty

common law

Unwritten sense of fair play

Been around since the Middle Ages

constitutions

Printed documents detailing the structure and functions of government and the rights and duties of citizens

Case law

Court decisions that establish new laws or change existing laws

Administrative law

Executive departments' rules and procedures to carry out laws

Legislative law

The process of creating laws within a legislature with executive approval

speech

we can say anything we want as long as we don’t libel or slander

enterprise

We may engage in any business we want to as long as we do not form monopolies and comply with the government’s regulations

Movement and assembly

Americans may live wherever they choose and gather in groups as they choose

Religion

We may worship or not worship God in any manner we choose

Suffrage

All people over 18 may vote or not in any election

Due process

The government must follow particular procedures when dealing with individuals accused of breaking laws or when taking land

Rule by law

Every member of society is subject to the laws

Popular sovereignty

Ultimate authority to govern comes from the people who are able to alter their government

Checks and balances

System of controls within and between each branch of government

Separation of powers

Unique duties assigned to branches of government, power distributed is power controlled

Federalism

The distribution of power between central authority and states, with delegated and reserved powers

Constitutional government

A form of government in which legal structure is defined by written code

sources of legal authority of the US government

constitution, legislative law, administrative law, case law and common law

ways the US government makes provisions for limited government

checks and balances, separation of powers, federalism, bill of rights (constitutional restrictions) and political parties

virtuous duties

Voting, open-mindedness, respectfulness, self-understanding, long-term thinking

civic responsibilities

Obey laws, pay taxes, and perform military service