law unit one: government bootcamp

Hierarchy

A ranking

Federal

Governs entire nation

Municipal

City/town government

Law

Rules enforced by the government

Executive

Part of the government that enforces laws (president)

Legislative

Part of the government that creates laws (congress)

judicial

Parts of the government that interprets laws (supreme court)

Constitutional

a document that outlines the structure and purpose of the government a policy or action that contradicts this document is called unconstitutional

statute

a written law

Articles of confederation

a first draft of the constitution; created a weak government

Human rights

Freedoms that belong to people from birth

Limited government

A law that should restrict the governments power

Separation of powers

A government should be divided so no one can become too powerful

Checks and balances

A process where branches of the government can limit one another’s power

Veto

A presidents power to reject a bill or law

Judicial review

The Supreme Court interprets the constitution and overturn any law that contradicts it

Amendments

Additions to the constitution voted on by people

Elastic clause

Also known as the “necessary and proper clause”, a part of the constitution that allows the government to increase its own power

US bill of rights

The first ten amendments to the constitution

Establishment clause

Part of the first amendment that protects religion by prohibiting the constitution from setting or choosing an official religion

Free exercise clause

part of the 1st amendment that protects freedom of religion by allowing people to practice religion without restriction

Militia

Civilian army

Quartering

Forced to house soldiers

Warrent

A document giving permission to search or arrest based on evidence presented to a judge

Seize

To take by force

Bail

Money paid to leave jail while waiting trial, money returned at trial

Eminent domain

A power of the government to take public property for public use with compensation