Glossary
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which enumerate and protect fundamental individual rights and liberties.
Example:
The right to bear arms, protected by the Second Amendment, is part of the Bill of Rights.
Checks and Balances
A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Example:
When the President vetoes a bill passed by Congress, it's an example of the executive branch checking the legislative branch.
Constitution
The supreme law of the United States, serving as the foundational rulebook for the entire government and outlining its structure and powers.
Example:
The First Amendment, guaranteeing freedom of speech, is a key part of the U.S. Constitution.
Democracy
A system of government where power is vested in the people, who either rule directly or through freely elected representatives.
Example:
In a democracy, citizens vote for their representatives in Congress, giving them a voice in lawmaking.
Executive Branch (President)
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, commanding the military, and appointing officials.
Example:
The Executive Branch deployed federal agents to ensure compliance with a new immigration policy.
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided and shared between a national (federal) government and various state governments.
Example:
The ability of states to set their own speed limits, while the federal government regulates interstate commerce, is an example of federalism.
Federalist 51
An essay by James Madison explaining how the separation of powers and checks and balances within the Constitution prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties.
Example:
Federalist 51 argues that 'ambition must be made to counteract ambition' to maintain a balanced government.
Impeachment
A process by which a legislative body formally levels charges against a high-ranking government official, potentially leading to their removal from office.
Example:
The House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against a federal judge accused of corruption.
Individual Rights
Fundamental freedoms and protections guaranteed to citizens, often enshrined in a constitution or bill of rights.
Example:
The freedom of religion, allowing people to practice any faith they choose, is a key individual right.
Judicial Branch (Courts)
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws, resolving legal disputes, and ensuring laws are constitutional.
Example:
The Judicial Branch ruled that a state law violated citizens' freedom of speech.
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court and lower courts to determine whether a law or government action violates the Constitution.
Example:
The Supreme Court's decision to strike down a state law as unconstitutional is an exercise of judicial review.
Legislative Branch (Congress)
The branch of government primarily responsible for making laws, controlling the budget, and declaring war.
Example:
The Legislative Branch debated and passed a new environmental protection act.
Limited Government
A principle stating that the power of the government is restricted by law, typically through a written constitution, to protect individual rights.
Example:
The Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is a core aspect of limited government.
Representation
The principle by which elected officials act on behalf of the people they serve, reflecting their interests and concerns in government.
Example:
A member of Congress advocating for the specific needs of their district exemplifies the concept of representation.
Rule of Law
The principle that all persons, institutions, and entities, including the government itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
Example:
Even the President must abide by the laws passed by Congress, demonstrating the rule of law.
Separation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Example:
The fact that Congress makes laws while the President enforces them clearly illustrates the principle of separation of powers.