FCLE Competency Review 2023

A series of flashcards containing vocabulary terms and definitions related to the competencies covered in the lecture notes.

Social Contract

A theory proposed by John Locke that individuals consent to form a government to protect their natural rights.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Rule of Law

The principle that the law applies equally to all individuals, including government officials.

Due Process

Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

Popular Sovereignty

The doctrine that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Individual Liberty

The freedom of individuals to act according to their own will as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.

Republicanism

A form of government in which representatives are elected by the citizenry to make decisions on their behalf.

Constitutionalism

Adherence to a system of constitutional government, where powers are limited by law.

Majority Rule

A decision rule that selects alternatives that have a majority, meaning more than half of the votes.

Equal Protection Clause

A clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to treat all individuals equally under the law.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual rights and liberties.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution.

Elastic Clause

A provision in the Constitution allowing Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.

Affirmative Action

Policies that take factors including race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin into consideration to benefit an underrepresented group.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government.