Gov vocab unit1

Declaration of Independence

All 13 states declaring independence from British rule.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution - freedom of speech, press, religion.

Popular Sovereignty

The government gets power from the people.

Judicial Review

The court determines if acts of other components of the government are in accordance with the Constitution.

Dictatorship

Rule where one person makes all the rules and decisions.

Monarchy

Reign for life like a king or queen.

Jus Sanguinis

Child's citizenship is determined by their parents.

Divine Right of Kings

Monarchial absolute power derived from God.

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court deciding on laws/Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

Nation's first frame of government, which failed and was thrown out.

Checks & Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto other branches, preventing absolutism.

Limited Government

Restricts government power through the Constitution.

Magna Carta

First document setting that the king or government is not above the law.

Autocracy

Absolute power of the ruler.

Citizen

A person born in that country or is naturalized.

Ratification

Signing a formal consent to a treaty, usually by vote.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that includes Congress.

Constitution

Set of rules that define how a country works.

Separation of Power

Division of government responsibility to limit one branch from having too much power.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Democracy

Rules by the people.

Oligarchy

Ruled by a few or small group.

Jus Soli

A rule that a child's citizenship is determined by being born in a particular place.

Preamble

To introduce important information.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that includes the president.