Review of Key Constitutional Amendments and Political Concepts

A set of 52 vocabulary flashcards covering key constitutional amendments, civil rights, voting rights, and political concepts to aid in exam preparation.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution protecting individual freedoms from government interference.

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms; interpreted as an individual right in DC v. Heller.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires warrants based on probable cause.

5th Amendment

Protects due process and guards against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, ensures just compensation.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.

Limits to Rights and Liberties

Rights are not absolute; government may restrict them for public order, safety, or national security.

Civil Liberties

Protections from government power (freedom from government).

Civil Rights

Protections against discrimination and guarantees of equal treatment (freedom by the government).

Reconstruction Amendments

13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship + equal protection), 15th (voting rights for Black men).

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote nationwide.

1964 Civil Rights Act

Banned discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin in employment and public accommodations.

1965 Voting Rights Act

Prohibited racial discrimination in voting; eliminated literacy tests and allowed federal oversight.

Roe v. Wade

Recognized a constitutional right to abortion based on privacy under the 14th Amendment.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

Overturned Roe v. Wade; returned abortion regulation to the states.

DC v. Heller

Ruled the 2nd Amendment protects an individual’s right to own firearms.

Southern Civil Rights Movement

Nonviolent movement led by figures like MLK Jr. to end segregation and discrimination.

Black Power Movement

Movement emphasizing racial pride, self-determination, and sometimes militancy.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide under the 14th Amendment.

Seneca Falls Declaration

Early women’s rights document demanding legal and political equality, including suffrage.

Incorporation

Process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states via the 14th Amendment.

Voting Rights Over Time

Expanded gradually through constitutional amendments and federal laws to include marginalized groups.

General Election

Election to choose officeholders, usually in November.

Special Election

Election held outside the regular schedule, often to fill vacancies.

Primary Election

Election where parties select their candidates.

Caucus

Party meeting where members vote publicly for candidates.

Voter Fraud

Illegal voting activities (rare and statistically insignificant).

Party Ballot

Ballot printed and distributed by political parties; can be easy to manipulate.

Australian Ballot

Government-printed, secret ballot listing all candidates; reduces fraud.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Restrictions on Voting Rights

Legal or administrative barriers like ID laws, felony disenfranchisement.

Voter Suppression

Efforts to discourage or prevent specific groups from voting.

Voter Registration

Process by which eligible voters sign up to vote before elections.

Voting Reforms (Hasen Amendment)

Proposed constitutional amendment to protect voting rights and prevent voter suppression.

Electoral Districts

Geographic areas represented by elected officials.

Redistricting

Redrawing district boundaries after the census.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district boundaries to benefit a political party.

Packing

Concentrating opposing voters into a few districts.

Cracking

Splitting opposing voters across many districts to weaken their influence.

Political Parties Over Time (1796–1800)

Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans.

Political Parties Over Time (1800–1824)

Democratic-Republican dominance during the Era of Good Feelings.

Political Parties Over Time (1852–Today)

Modern Democrats vs. Republicans.

Theory of Responsible Party Government

Parties offer clear platforms and govern according to them once elected.

Problems with Responsible Party Theory

Weak party discipline, divided government, and ideological diversity.

Bounded Rationality

Voters make decisions with limited information and cognitive shortcuts.

Three Main Functions of Political Parties

Recruit candidates, organize government, and mobilize voters.

Party Organization (National)

Sets party platform and strategy for national elections.

Party Organization (State)

Runs state campaigns and coordinates with the national party.

Party Organization (Local)

Mobilizes voters and supports local candidates.

Two-Party System

System dominated by two major political parties.

Duverger’s Law

Winner-take-all elections favor a two-party system.

Political Realignment

Major shift in party coalitions and voter loyalties.