FCLE Competency Review 2023 Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the FCLE Competency Review 2023 lecture notes.

Social Contract

Individuals enter into an agreement to form a government, with political authority deriving from the consent of the governed.

Checks and Balances / Separation of Powers

Each branch of government (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) has distinct roles and can limit the powers of the other branches.

Rule of Law

Government actions are bound by legal principles and constraints; no one is above the law.

Due Process

Fair treatment of individuals in legal proceedings, guaranteeing legal procedures and protections.

Equality Under the Law

All individuals are entitled to the same treatment and protection under the law, regardless of differences.

Popular Sovereignty

The ultimate source of authority lies with the people, and government exists to serve based on their consent.

Natural Rights

Inherent rights to all individuals, such as life, liberty, and property.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between the national (federal) government and state governments.

Individual Liberty

Protecting individual liberties, including political and religious freedoms.

Republicanism / Representative Democratic Government

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Constitutionalism

Government actions are limited by the Constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the land.

Majority Rule

Decisions are made based on the majority’s preferences.

Minority Rights

Protecting the interests of individuals and groups from potential oppression by the majority.

Equal Protection

Ensures that all individuals are treated equally by the government.

Bill of Rights

Guarantees essential civil rights and liberties.

Free, Fair, and Secure Elections

Essential for a functioning democracy, ensuring that the people’s will is accurately reflected.

Legislative Branch

Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Executive Branch

The President’s office as the head of the executive branch.

Judicial Branch

The federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Supremacy Clause

The Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

Expressed/Enumerated/Delegated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution that are granted to the federal government.

Implied Powers

Derived from the necessary and proper (elastic) clause, allowing Congress to make laws necessary for executing its other powers.

Reserved Powers

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law is the highest authority, overriding conflicting state laws.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize and respect the public acts and legal decisions of other states.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate interstate and international commerce.

Emoluments Clause

Prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts or emoluments from foreign governments.

Due Process Clause

Ensures that individuals have a fair and impartial legal process.

Equal Protection Clause

Guarantees equal treatment under the law for all individuals.

Necessary and Proper/Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to enact laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers.

First Amendment Clauses

Protect freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Judicial Review

Grants the Supreme Court the authority to review and invalidate laws or actions that are found to be unconstitutional.

Clear and Present Danger

Speech that presents a danger to the government or society that can be limited.