Participation In Government Unit 3 Vocab

Rights

A power or privilege held by the general public, usually as the result of a constitution, statute, regulation, or judicial precedent.

Responsibilities

The obligation of a government to act in the best interests of its citizens by providing for their welfare, security, and rights, and by addressing societal needs through policies and services.

Citizen

A person who belongs to a particular country, state, or commonwealth by birth or naturalization and has legally recognized rights and duties as a member of that entity.

Franchise

The right of a citizen to vote (also known as suffrage)

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence the decisions of government officials, including legislators and executives.

Community

A group of people with shared interests, locality, or government.

District

An area of a country or city, especially one regarded as a distinct unit because of a particular characteristic.

Constituent 

A person who lives in a particular electoral district and has the right to vote for a representative, such as a legislator, mayor, or council member.

Levy

The act of imposing and collecting a tax, fee, or fine, or a legal seizure of property to satisfy a debt.

Selective Service

The U.S. government system that maintains a registry of names and addresses for men, ages 18 through 25, to support a potential future military draft.

Gerrymander

Manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party or class.