civics final

governemnt

the institution though which a society makes and enforces its public policies

state

a political entity with a centralized government that has the authority to govern a specific geographic area and population.

sovereignty

the power of a state to govern itself without outside interference

legislative power

makes laws

executive power

enforces laws

judical

inteprets

democracy

a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

direct democracy

citizens vote on all issues

represenative democracy

citizens elect official to represent them

dictatorship

a form of government in which absolute power is held by one or a few

autocracy

rule by one person

oligarchy

rules by a small group with wealth

theocracy

government based on religious rule

monarchy

rule by king or queen who inherits the throne

Thomas Hobbes

Believed people need strong government to avoid chaos (State of Nature is brutal).

John Locke

Believed in natural rights and the right to overthrow unjust government.

state of nature

The hypothetical condition of humanity before civil society, characterized by the absence of political authority and government.</span>

compulsory voting

citizens are required by law to vote

Preamble

the intro to the constitution stating its purpose

declaration of independence

A historic document that announced the thirteen American colonies' separation from Great Britain, outlining principles of individual rights and government by consent. Written by Thomas jefferson

articles of confederation

• First U.S. government; weak central power.
  
  

Constitutional convention

• 787 meeting to revise Articles; resulted in the Constitution.
  
  

virginia Plan

representation based on population

new Jersey plan

• Proposal for equal representation regardless of state size; aimed to protect smaller states' interests in Congress.
  
  

3/5 compromise

3 of of 5 enslaved peole counted for population and taxes

popular sovereignty

people are the source of government power

limited government

government Powers are restricted by law

checks and balances

each branhc limits power of the other

seperation of powers

divides government powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

judicial review

the power of courts to review laws and executive actions for constitutionality.

federalism

divison of power between national and state governments

rule of law

everonyr including leaders must follow the law

unconstitutional

not in accordance with the Constitution

ratification

formal apporval

federalists

supproted constitution and strong central government

anti-federalists

wanted a bill of rights, feared strong national power

due process

fair treatment through the judicial system

bicameral

two house legislature (senate and house)

legislative

makes laws

senate

100 members, 2 per state

house of reps

based on population, 435

speaker of the house

leader of the house

president pro tempore

senior senate member who presides in VP’s absence

president of the Senate

vice president

law makiing

process of creating laws

bill vs law

bill is a proposal, law is approved legislation

impeach

charge an official with misconduct

filibuster

a tactic used to delay or block a vote on a bill or other measure. It's essentially a prolonged debate, where a senator speaks for an extended period, or introduces procedural motions, to prevent a vote from happening.

veto/pocket veto

President rejects a bill (pocket veto = no action).

expressed powers

Powers directly stated in the Constitution.

implied powers

Not written, but suggested.

elastic clause

Allows Congress to stretch powers.

gerrymander

Drawing districts to favor a party.

constituents

• People represented by elected officials.
  
  

committee

group that review bills

chief of state

Ceremonial leader.

coomander in chief

Head of the armed forces.

chief executive

Enforces laws.

party leader

Head of political party.

chief diplomat

manages foreign policy

head of state

symbol of the nation

executive order

Rule issued by the president.

executive privilege

Withholding info in public interest.

signing statements

Comments on a bill when signing it.

pardons

excusing and forgiving a crime

electoral college

System for electing the president.

executive departments

Major parts of the executive branch.

cabinet

preisdents advisors

secretary

head of an executive department

federal agencies

Carry out laws and regulations.

House of represenatives term length and members

2 years and 435 in total

qualifications for house

at least 25

US citizen for seven years

must live in the state they represent

senate term length and members

6 years

100 members in total 2 per state

qualifications for senate

• At least 30 years old
  
  

• U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
  
  

• Must live in the state they represent
  
  

President term length and qualifications

4 years

natural born US citizen

at least 35 years old

must have loved in US for at least 14 years

supreme court justices term length

lifetime

supreme court justices qualifications

• No official age, residency, or citizenship requirements listed in the Constitution
  
  

• However, all justices are typically experienced lawyers or judges but not necesarilly required
  
  

• Nominated by the President
  
  

• Must be confirmed by the Senate

supereme court

highest US court

federal court system

handles national law issues

state court system

state law issues

criminal vs civil case

Criminal = law broken; Civil = dispute between people.

appellate court

Reviews decisions of lower courts.

article III

estabalished judicial branch

landmark supreme court case

Major decision that sets precedent.

bill of rights

First 10 amendments; protects individual freedoms and limit government power.

first amendment

• Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition
  
  

Protects your right to express ideas, criticize the government, gather in groups, and follow any (or no) religion.

second amendment

• Right to bear arms
  
  

• Individuals have the right to own and carry weapons, subject to laws and regulations.

third amendment

• No quartering of soldiers
  
  

• The government cannot force you to house soldiers in your home during peacetime.

fourth amednemnt

• Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures
  
  

• Police need a warrant or probable cause to search you or your property.
  
  

fifth amendment

• Rights in criminal cases
  
  

  • No double jeopardy (can’t be tried twice for the same crime)
    
    

  • No self-incrimination (“I plead the Fifth”)
    
    

  • Due process of law must be followed
    
    

Government must pay fair value if taking your property (eminent domain)

sixth amendment

• Right to a fair and speedy trial
  
  

  • Right to a lawyer
    
    

  • Right to know your charges
    
    

  • Right to question witnesses
    
    

seventh amendment

• Right to trial by jury in civil cases (lawsuits involving money)
  
  

8th amendment

• No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment

9th amendment

• People have rights not listed in the Constitution
  
  

• The government can’t take away rights just because they’re not spelled out.
  

10th amendment

• States’ rights
  
  

• Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.
  

1st step in amendment process

Proposal

• By Congress:
  Requires a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate

• By a National Convention:

  • Called by 2/3 of state legislatures (34 out of 50 states)

  • Has never been used
    

2nd step in amendment process

Ratification

• ✅ By State Legislatures: Requires approval from 3/4 of the state legislatures (38 out of 50 states)
  

• ✅ By State Conventions: Used only once—for the 21st Amendment (which repealed Prohibition)
  

To amend the Constitution you need

2/3 of Congress or states to propose and 2/4 of state to ratify