Government Unit 2 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Constitutional concepts, powers, principles, and amendments from Joppatowne High School's Unit 3.

Preamble

Opening statement of the constitution that set out the goals of the government

Constitution

The rule book for our government

Magna Carta

The first attempt at limiting British government

Social Contract

John Locke's idea that the people agree to give up some personal liberties to create government which protects them

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution

Implied Powers

Powers the Constitution does not explicitly grant the Federal Government, but it does not deny it either. Also known as the "Necessary and Proper" Clause.

Denied Powers

Powers that no level of government has.

Delegated Powers

Powers (Expressed, Implied, Inherent) the Constitution gives to the federal government

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the state and federal government.

Separation of Powers

The division of power between 3 branches of government to create limited government and protect the people.

Checks and Balances

A system designed to have 3 branches constantly monitoring each other to prevent an abuse of power.

Judicial Review

Power of the courts to declare a law unconstitutional

Elastic Clause

Article 1 Section 8 gives congress the right to make all laws "Necessary and Proper" to carry out powers expressed in other clauses of article 1. Allows congress to "stretch" its powers.

1st Amendment

The basic freedoms of Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech. Landmark Supreme Court Case Tinker V Des Moines)

4th Amendment

Protects the People against unreasonable search and seizures without a warrant.

5th Amendment

No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property with due process of law; No self-incrimination (Miranda Rights); No double jeopardy (Landmark Supreme Court Case Miranda V. Arizona).

6th Amendment

The right to an attorney, a fair and speedy trial with a jury in criminal cases. (Landmark Supreme Court case Gideon V Wainright

7th Amendment

The right to a trial by jury in civil cases.

8th Amendment

The right for bail and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.

10th Amendment

Powers not delegated to federal government by the Constitution are reserved to states; protects federalism.