Lessons 15–17 Civics and Government Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering Lessons 15, 16, and 17 on the Constitution, political party structures, and post-Civil War voting restrictions.

Amendment

A change or addition to a legal document.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws and actions of the local and state Gov. or the national Gov. invalid if they are found to contradict the U.S. Constitution.

Delegated powers

The powers of the Gov., they are granted by people, and the people can take them back if Gov. fails to fulfill its promises.

Party System

A concept in political science that parties connect Gov.

Patronage

Support, often financial, given by a person or institution to a person, group, or institution in need.

Platform

The list of policies and priorities of a political party; also known as manifesto.

Political Party

An organization seeking to achieve political power by electing members to public office so that its political philosophy is reflected in public policy.

Sedition

Incitement to rebellion.

Ticket

The choice of candidates of a political party for president and vice-president.

Abolitionists

Opponents of slavery who wished to put an end to the institution.

Grandfather Clause

Provisions or laws passed in the South after the Civil War stating that citizens could only vote if their grandfathers had been allowed to vote. (Made it impossible for African Americans to vote.)

Literacy Test

A test to prove a person's ability to read and write. (Used to prevent minorities from voting.)

Poll Tax

A tax that voters in many states were required to pay in order to exercise their right to vote.

Secession

The act of states leaving the Union in 1861. (Precipitated the Civil War.)