Gov vocab unit1

Declaration of Independence, all 13 states declaring independence from British rule.

Bill of Rights, first 10 amendments to the Constitution - freedom of speech, press, religion.

Popular Sovereignty, the government gets power from the people.

Judicial Review, the court determines if acts of other components of the government are in accordance with the Constitution.

Dictatorship, rule where one person makes all the rules and decisions.

Monarchy, reign for life like a king or queen.

Jus Sanguinis, child's citizenship is determined by their parents.

Divine Right of Kings, monarchial absolute power derived from God.

Judicial Branch, Supreme Court deciding on laws/Constitution.

Articles of Confederation, nation's first frame of gov. (Failed so thrown out).

Checks & Balances, a system that allows each branch of gov to amend or veto other branches → prevents absolutism.

Limited Government, restricts gov power through the Constitution.

Magna Carta, first document setting king or gov not above law.

Autocracy, absolute power of the ruler.

Citizen, a person born in that country or is naturalized.

Ratification, signing a formal consent to a treaty, usually by vote.

Legislative Branch, Supreme Court → Congress.

Constitution, set of rules that define how a country works.

Separation of Power, division of gov responsibility to limit one branch from having too much power.

Federalism, division of power between national and state governments.

Democracy, rules by the people.

Oligarchy, ruled by a few or small group.

Jus Soli, a rule that a child's citizenship is determined by being born in a particular place.

Preamble, to introduce important information.

Executive Branch, the president.