Civic Literacy Review

Electoral College

A group of electors selected by each state to formally elect the President.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S. (1781) that created a weak national government.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral Congress with the Senate and House of Representatives.

3/5 Compromise

A compromise stating that 3 out of every 5 slaves would be counted for representation.

Federalism

Division of power between federal and state governments.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Executive Branch

The branch led by the President that enforces laws.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

School-sponsored prayer violates the separation of church and state.

Miranda vs. Arizona (1961)

Arrested individuals must be informed of their rights.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Evidence obtained without a warrant cannot be used in state courts.

In Re Gault (1967)

The 14th Amendment gives young people rights in delinquency proceedings.

Bill

A proposal for new legislation before becoming law.

Chief Justice

The head judge of the Supreme Court.

Commander-in-Chief

The President's role as the leader of the military.

Governor

The top official in a state government.

Reserved powers

Powers specifically kept for the states, like regulating education.

Veto power

The President's ability to reject a bill.

Impeachment

Formal charges against a public official for misconduct.

Presidential Succession

The order of officials who assume the presidency if it becomes vacant.

U.S. Supreme Court

The highest court, with 9 justices who interpret laws.

Intolerable Acts

British laws that angered colonists and led to the Revolutionary War.

Boston Tea Party

A protest against British tea taxes where tea was dumped into Boston harbor.

Amendment 1

Guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Amendment 2

Protects the right to bear arms.

Amendment 4

Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

Amendment 5

Rights related to legal proceedings, including due process.

Amendment 14

Defines citizenship and ensures equal protection under the law.

Amendment 15

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race.

Amendment 19

Grants women the right to vote.

Amendment 26

Lowers the voting age to 18.

Civic Duty

The obligation to participate in political and civic life.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution as the highest law of the land.

Judicial Branch

Interprets laws and includes the Supreme Court.

Legislative Branch

Makes laws; includes Congress with Senate and House of Representatives.

Popular Sovereignty

The concept that government power comes from the people's consent.

Amendment 3

Prohibits forced quartering of soldiers.

Amendment 6

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial.

Amendment 7

Right to trial by jury in civil cases.

Amendment 8

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 10

Powers reserved to the states.

Amendment 11

Limits lawsuits against states without consent.

Amendment 12

Electors vote separately for President and Vice President.

Amendment 13

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.

Amendment 16

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

Amendment 17

Direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote.

Amendment 18

Prohibits manufacture and sale of alcohol.

Amendment 20

Sets January 20 as Inauguration Day.

Amendment 21

Repeals the 18th Amendment; allows regulation of liquor.

Amendment 22

Limits the President to two terms in office.

Amendment 23

Grants D.C. residents the right to vote for President.

Amendment 24

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

Amendment 25

Establishes procedures for presidential succession.

Amendment 27

Prevents Congress from raising its own pay until after an election.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Established the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Overturned Plessy; declared segregated schools unconstitutional.

Civil Rights Movement

Movement in the U.S. to establish equal rights for all.

American Revolution

War for American independence from British rule.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Ruled that African Americans could not be citizens.

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Resolved the 2000 presidential election dispute.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Guarantees the right to legal counsel in criminal cases.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Student speech rights in public schools.

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)

Schools can censor school-sponsored publications.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established federal supremacy over states.