American Identity Vocabulary

Declaration of Independence

document written by Thomas Jefferson that stated the 13 Colonies no longer wanted to be part of Britain, but their own country

Constitution

set of rules that guide how a country, state, or other political organization works

Constitutional Republic

form of government whose representatives derive their authority from the consent of the governed, serve for an established tenure, and are sworn to uphold the constitution

Bill of Rights

the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution

Legislative Branch

branch of government that makes laws and is composed of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate (Congress)

Executive Branch

branch of the government that enforces the laws and is composed of the President and his Cabinet

Judicial Branch

branch of the government that decides the constitutionality of laws and is composed of the Supreme Court

Egalitarianism

all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities

Populism

a political movement that champions the common people instead of the elite

Eminent Domain

right of the government to take private property for public use with just compensation (money)

Miranda v. Arizona

Supreme Court case that establishes your "Miranda Rights" which must be read to you when you are arrested

Laissez-faire

doctrine stating that government generally should not interfere in private business