American Give test 1

Study Guide for Chapters 1 & 2

Key Concepts and Terms

  1. Government

    • System or group governing an organized community.

  2. Impeachment

    • Process of charging a government official with misconduct.

  3. Electoral College

    • Body that elects the President and Vice President of the U.S.

  4. Separation of Powers

    • Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.

  5. Recall Election

    • A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office.

  6. Congress

    • The legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

  7. Equality

    • Principle that all individuals should be treated the same under the law.

  8. Direct Democracy

    • System where decisions are made directly by the vote of the citizens.

  9. Supreme Court

    • The highest court in the U.S., interprets the constitution and laws.

  10. Property

    • Ownership of physical or intangible assets.

  11. Political Culture

    • The set of shared beliefs, values, and practices regarding governance.

  12. Natural Law

    • Theory that certain rights are inherent by virtue of human nature.

  13. Federalist

    • Supporter of a strong central government as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

  14. Confederation

    • A union of sovereign groups or states united for purposes of common action.

  15. Constitution

    • The foundational document outlining the structure and principles of government.

  16. Anti-Federalist

    • Opponent of a strong central government; favored states' rights.

  17. Suffrage

    • The right to vote in political elections.

  18. Social Contract

    • Theory stating that individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

  19. Checks and Balances

    • Mechanism that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful.

  20. Legitimacy of Government

    • The justified use of power by the government.

  21. U.S. Senate

    • The upper chamber of Congress, with equal representation from each state.

  22. Patriotism

    • Love for or devotion to one’s country.

  23. Declaration of Independence

    • Document asserting the independence of the colonies from British rule.

  24. Traditional Conservative

    • A political ideology that promotes retaining traditional institutions.

  25. Colonist

    • An early settler in a new territory.

  26. Liberals

    • Supporters of social equality and reforms.

  27. Articles of Confederation

    • The first constitution of the U.S., establishing a weak federal government.

  28. Political Socialization

    • The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs.

  29. Efficacy

    • The belief that one's actions can influence political processes.

  30. Libertarians

    • Advocates for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters.

  31. Bill of Rights

    • The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.