US Government Vocabulary: Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Civic Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the three branches, civic concepts, and key government powers.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document declaring independence from Britain; authored by Thomas Jefferson; announced a new nation and listed grievances against King George III.

Thomas Jefferson

Primary author of the Declaration of Independence (1776).

King George III

King of England, against whom the American colonies declared independence.

Preamble

Opening section of a constitution outlining purpose and guiding principles (e.g., 'We the People' and aims like forming a more perfect Union, establishing justice).

We the People

Phrase asserting popular sovereignty: government derives its power from the people.

Popular Sovereignty

Principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

In Order to form a more perfect Union

Aim to unite the states into a stronger, better federation.

Establish Justice

Create a fair and impartial legal system.

Insure domestic Tranquility

Maintain peace within the United States.

Provide for the common defense

Protect the nation from external threats.

Promote the general Welfare

Support the well-being of all citizens.

Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Protect freedom for present and future generations.

Ordain and establish this Constitution

Officially create and validate the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution

Supreme law of the United States; outlines the structure and powers of the federal government; ratified in 1788.

Ratified in 1788

The Constitution received the required approval from the states and became law.

Three branches

The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches that share power and provide checks and balances.

Legislative Branch

Makes laws; includes Congress (Senate and House); power to draft, debate, and pass laws; oversight; budget; ratify treaties and confirm appointments in some cases.

Executive Branch

Enforces laws; led by the President as Commander-in-Chief; veto power; issues executive orders; negotiates treaties; appoints federal judges and cabinet members; can pardon.

Judicial Branch

Interprets laws; courts interpret the Constitution; power of judicial review; lifetime tenure for federal judges.

E Pluribus Unum

"Out of Many, One"; motto reflecting unity of the states into a single nation.

In God We Trust

U.S. national motto adopted in 1956 to symbolize unity and moral foundation.

Civic Duty

Legally required action by citizens (e.g., obeying laws, paying taxes, jury duty, draft registration).

Civic Responsibility

Voluntary actions that benefit the community (e.g., voting, volunteering, staying informed).

Veto

President’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

State of the Union Address

Annual presidential address to Congress outlining priorities and recommending legislation.

Special sessions

Congressional sessions called outside the regular schedule to address urgent matters.

Ratifying treaties

Senate’s authority to approve international agreements.

Confirming presidential appointments

Senate’s authority to approve or reject presidential nominees for federal positions.

Pardons

President’s power to forgive or excuse offenses.

Executive orders

Directives from the President that manage operations of the federal government.

Commander-in-Chief

President’s role as leader of the armed forces.

Impeachment

Formal charge by the House of Representatives against a federal official; trial in the Senate.

Override veto

Congress can pass a bill despite a presidential veto, usually with a two-thirds majority.

Judicial Review

Power of courts to determine whether laws or executive actions are constitutional.

Life tenure

Federal judges serve for life, ensuring independence from political pressure.

Lower courts

Federal courts below the Supreme Court in the judicial system.

Interpreting the Constitution and laws

Judicial function of applying the Constitution to cases and interpreting statutory law.

Resolving disputes between states

Judicial role in settling interstate disagreements.

Trying cases involving federal law and the Constitution

Judicial role in hearing cases arising under federal statutes and constitutional issues.