Glossary – Civics360

Glossary

Relevant Civics and Government Terms

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10th (Tenth) Amendment: an amendment that explains that any powers not given to the national government in the U.S. Constitution are reserved for the states (1791)

11th (Eleventh) Amendment: an amendment that limits the ability of the federal government to interfere in lawsuits against states

12th (Twelfth) Amendment: an amendment that changes the procedure for electing the president and vice president so that votes are cast separately for the offices by the Electoral College (1804)

13th (Thirteenth) Amendment: an amendment that abolished slavery in the United States (1865)

14th (Fourteenth) Amendment: an amendment that defines citizenship and prevents states from denying due process of law and equal protection of the law to citizens (1868)

15th (Fifteenth) Amendment: an amendment that makes it illegal for national or state governments to deny someone the right to vote based on their race (1870)

16th (Sixteenth) Amendment: an amendment allowing Congress to establish an income tax (1913)

17th (Seventeenth) Amendment: an amendment requiring U.S. senators to be elected by popular vote (1913)

18th (Eighteenth) Amendment: amendment that established Prohibition in the United States, banning the production, sale, or transportation of alcohol

19th (Nineteenth) Amendment: an amendment that legally guarantees women the right to vote by prohibiting the denial of voting rights on account of sex (1920)

1st (First) Amendment: an amendment guaranteeing freedom of religion, press, assembly, speech, and the right to petition the government (1791)

20th (Twentieth) Amendment: an amendment that moves the beginning and ending of the terms of president and vice president from March 4th to January 20th (1933)

21st (Twenty-first) Amendment: amendment that overturned the 18th Amendment (Prohibition)

22nd (Twenty-second) Amendment: an amendment that limits the number of times a person can be elected to the office of President of the United States to two terms (1951)

23rd (Twenty-third) Amendment: amendment that granted the right of citizens in Washington, D.C. to vote for president and 3 electoral votes

24th (Twenty-fourth) Amendment: an amendment that makes poll taxes illegal as a requirement for voting (1964)

25th (Twenty-fifth) Amendment: an amendment that clarifies presidential succession and disability (1967)

26th (Twenty-sixth) Amendment: an amendment that lowers the minimum voting age to 18 (1971)

27th (Twenty-seventh) Amendment: an amendment that states congressional salary increases cannot take effect until after the next election cycle (1992)

2nd (Second) Amendment: an amendment that protects the right to keep and bear arms (1791)

3rd (Third) Amendment: an amendment that prevents government from forcing individuals to allow soldiers to use their homes (1791)

4th (Fourth) Amendment: an amendment that prohibits the government from engaging in unreasonable search and seizure of an individual or their private property (1791)

5th (Fifth) Amendment: an amendment that provides several protections for people accused of crimes; rights include: a grand jury for serious criminal charges, not being tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy), not having property taken without just compensation, against self-incrimination, and not being imprisoned without due process of law (1791)

6th (Sixth) Amendment: an amendment that provides additional protections to those accused of crimes; rights include: speedy and public trial, an impartial jury trial, information on charges accused of, a lawyer, face accusers, witnesses present at trial (1791)

7th (Seventh) Amendment: an amendment that extends the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases (1791)

8th (Eighth) Amendment: an amendment that prohibits excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment (1791)

9th (Ninth) Amendment: an amendment that explains that listing specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that individuals do not have other rights that have not been written out (1791)

A

Antifederalist Papers: a series of essays written to oppose ratification of the proposed U.S. Constitution

Antifederalists: a group of people in early U.S. history who opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution because they feared a strong national government and a lack of protection for individual rights

Article I (One): the article of the U.S. Constitution that outlines the structures, functions, and processes of the legislative branch of government

Article II (Two): the article of the U.S. Constitution that outlines the structures, functions, and processes of the executive branch of government

Article III (Three): the article of the U.S. Constitution that outlines the structures, functions, and processes of the judicial branch of government

Article IV (Four): the article of the U.S. Constitution that defines relationships between states; grants Congress the power to admit new states; provides states a guarantee of a republican form of government and national protection against invasion and domestic disputes

Article V (Five): the article of the U.S. Constitution that describes how the U.S. Constitution can be changed

Article VI (Six): Article of the US Constitution that contains the Supremacy Clause and states that there is no religious test for national/federal public office

Articles of Confederation: the first constitution of the United States, in effect from 1781 until 1787

absentee ballot: a ballot typically submitted in advance by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls

absolute monarchy: a form of monarchy with no limits on the monarch’s power

act: legislation that has passed both houses of Congress, has been signed into law by the president, or passed despite their veto, and therefore becomes law

alien: any person not a citizen or national of a country including resident and nonresident, immigrant and nonimmigrant, asylee and refugee, documented and undocumented

alliance: a union between nations for assistance and protection

allies: nations united with another for some common purpose such as assistance and protection

ambassador: a diplomat sent by a country as its formal representative to a foreign country

amendment: a modification or change to a written constitution

anarchy: the absence of any form of government

ancient Greece: ancient civilization that influenced America’s constitutional republic in areas such as civic participation, legislative bodies, voting rights, and a written constitution

ancient Rome: ancient civilization that influenced America’s constitutional republic in areas such as civic participation, republicanism, rule of law, representative government, and separation of powers

appeal: a request, made after a trial, asking a higher court to reverse a lower court decision

appellate court: any court that has the power to hear appeals from lower courts

appellate jurisdiction: the power to hear appeals of cases which have been tried in lower courts

appellate process: the process of asking a higher court to decide whether a trial was conducted and/or decided properly

appointment: the act of assigning someone to a job or position; the individual chosen to fill a job or position

apportionment: the process in which seats in a legislative body are distributed

arbitrary government: a government not bound by laws, exercising power in an inconsistent and often unfair way

armed forces: the nation’s military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, Space Force, and Navy)

article: a numbered chapter or section of a contract, treaty, or constitution

assembly: a gathering together as a group for a common purpose

asylee: a person who is outside their country of origin and is unwilling or unable to return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; also called a refugee

authoritarian: a form of government that forces strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom

autocracy: a form of government in which unlimited power is concentrated in one individual or small group

B

Baron de Montesquieu: the philosopher who believed in separation of powers when establishing a government

Bill of Rights: the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution; addresses Americans’ rights in relation to the government

Brandenburg v. Ohio: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled that speech can be prohibited if it is “directed at inciting or producing imminent lawless action” and it is “likely to incite or produce such action” (1969)

British Crown: the British monarchy; in the Revolutionary Era led by King George III

Brown v. Board of Education: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled “separate but equal” segregation was not equal in public education (1954)

bailiff: a court officer who keeps order in the courtroom and takes charge of the jury when court is not in session

balance of power: the sharing of power that discourages or prevents one group or individual from imposing its will on or controlling another

ballot: an official document on which a vote is cast

bandwagon: a propaganda technique encouraging the viewer to like something or someone because everyone else does

beyond reasonable doubt: a standard that must be met by the prosecution’s evidence in a criminal case; that there is no other logical explanation, based on the facts, except that the defendant committed the crime

bias: preference, opinion, or attitude that favors one way of thinking or feeling over another

bicameral: having two legislative chambers (ex. the two houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives)

bill: formally introduced legislation

bipartisan: involving two opposing political parties working together

birthright citizenship: citizenship gained by virtue of either being born on U.S. soil or to parents who are U.S. citizens

blanket primary: a nominating election in which all candidates appear on the same ballot

boycott: to withdraw from commercial or social relations with a country, organization, or person as a punishment or protest

branches of government: the division of government into three parts: executive, legislative, and judicial

brief: a written argument submitted to the court

C

Cabinet: a group of people appointed by the president to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers to the president

Civil Rights Act of 1964: a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin

Civil Rights Act of 1968: a federal law that prohibits discrimination related to the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin or sex

Code of Hammurabi: a written code of rules that guided the ancient society of Babylon

Code of Justinian: a legal code in ancient Rome that formed the basis for many modern systems of civil law

Common Sense: a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in 1776 to convince the American colonists to support becoming independent from Great Britain

Constitution of Massachusetts (1780): the world’s oldest functioning written constitution; served as a model for the United States Constitution

Constitutional Convention: a meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 where delegates decided to throw out the Articles of Confederation and draft the U.S. Constitution

calendar: a list of bills, resolutions, or other matters to be considered by either House of Congress

campaign: an organized effort by candidates during their pursuit of a political office

candidate: a person running for political office

capitalism: an economic system in which private individuals own and control most of the factors of production

capitol: the building where the legislative branch meets

card stacking: a propaganda technique involving the use of showing one-sided information

case: a matter that goes before a judge or court of law

case law: law that is based on judicial decisions rather than constitutions, statues, or regulations

caucus: a meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction to select a candidate, decide on policy, or promote an agreed-upon cause

census: an official count of a population; done every 10 years in the United States

charter: a legal document giving certain rights to a person, town, or company

checks and balances: a principle of government that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches

chief justice: the head justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; also known as the “first among equals”

circuit court: a court for a defined region of a state (usually including several counties) that has specific divisions and hears cases involving more serious crimes (felonies) and civil cases involving large amounts of money (more than $1000)

citizen: a legal member of a state and/or country possessing all the rights and privileges which can be enjoyed under its government

citizenship: being a member of a particular country and having the rights, obligations, and responsibilities that come with it

city commissioner/council member: a member of the governing body of a city

civic: of or relating to a citizen, a city, citizenship, or community affairs

civic engagement: participation in issues of public concern; also known as civic participation

civic meeting: a meeting that is held for the people to share their opinions with government officials

civic participation: participation in issues of public concern; also known as civic engagement

civic virtue: the good characteristics, attitudes, practices, and activities of participants in a political system

civics: the study of the rights and duties of citizens and of how government works

civil case: a case involving the rights of citizens

civil disobedience: peaceful protest to illustrate the refusal to comply with certain laws or injustice

civil law: law concerned with private relations between members of a community rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs; contrasted with criminal law

civil liberties: personal freedoms constitutionally protected from government intrusion (ex. right to free speech)

civil rights: guarantees of equal opportunities and equal protection under the law, regardless of race, religion, or other personal characteristics (ex. the right to vote)

civil suit: person or group taking legal action against another person or group

closed primary: a nominating election in which only voters registered with a political party may participate

command economy: an economy in which a central government controls production, investment, prices, and incomes

commander-in-chief: the leader of the armed forces

common good: beliefs or actions that are seen as a benefit to the community rather than individual interests

common law: law that comes from customs, traditions, and precedents

communism: a political and economic system of centralized power in which a single-party or dictatorship abolishes private property and controls the means of production and the distribution of goods and services

concurrent powers: powers shared between the federal/national and state governments

concurring opinion: an appellate opinion of judges (justices) that supports the result reached for reasons not stated in the majority opinion

confederal system: a system of government where power is located with independent states and there is little power in the central government

conference committee: a temporary panel composed of House and Senate members, which is formed for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers

confirmation process: the process of the Senate approving the president’s choices for certain positions within the government

congressional committee: a legislative sub-organization in the U.S. Congress that engages in the day to day work of the House and Senate

consent of the governed: the idea that government gains its power/authority from the people

constituent: a person that an elected official represents

constitution: the basic principles and laws of a nation or state that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it; usually a written document

constitutional government: a form of government based on a written set of laws that all citizens agree to; in this form of government, the constitution is the highest law of the land

constitutional law: law that focuses on interpreting a constitution

constitutional monarchy: a form of monarchy where the monarch serves in only a limited or symbolic role, restricted by a written set of laws

constitutional republic: a form of government in which there is democratic voting, but governmental power is limited by the existence of a constitution that protects the rights of citizens

convention: a meeting of delegates and voters

county commissioner/council member: a member of the governing body of a county

county court: a court that hears both civil and criminal cases involving less serious crimes or minor issues for one specific county

court: a governmental forum that administers justice under the law

court clerk: the court officer responsible for giving the oath to jurors and witnesses, court paperwork, and physical evidence

court order: a formal statement from a court that orders someone to do or stop doing something

court reporter: the court officer who records, word for word, everything that is said as part of the trial

criminal case: a court case involving a crime, or violation of public order

criminal law: law that deals with crimes and the punishments for those crimes

cross-examination: the follow-up questioning of a witness by the side that did not call the witness to the stand

cruel and unusual punishment: an unduly harsh penalty on a criminal defendant; prohibited by the 8th Amendment

D

Declaration of Independence: the founding document that provided a justification for independence, including a list the grievances of the colonies against the King of England; adopted July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress

Democratic Party: a political party that formed in 1828 to represent the “common man” and unite divisions resulting from the election of 1824

Department of State: an executive department of the U.S. government responsible for foreign policy and international relations

District of Columbia v. Heller: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld 2nd Amendment rights to gun ownership (2008)

Dred Scott v. Sandford: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled African Americans, whether enslaved or free, were not citizens of the United States and therefore did not have the right to sue in federal court (1857)

debate: a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward

decision: a formal ruling made by a court; also called a judgment, ruling, or opinion

defamation: the act of damaging someone’s reputation; may occur through libel or slander

defendant: the party being sued or charged with a crime in a criminal or civil action

delegate: a person acting for another, such as a representative to a convention or conference; ‘to delegate’ means to grant someone power or authority to act on your behalf

delegated powers: the powers specifically named and assigned to the national government, or prohibited to be exercised by the states under the U.S. Constitution; also known as expressed or enumerated powers

democracy: a form of government in which political power is held by the people; may be direct or indirect

democratization: the introduction of a democratic system or democratic principles

demonstration: a mass gathering to raise awareness about an issue of public concern

despotism: a form of government where the ruler (sometimes known as a despot) has unlimited power

dictatorship: a form of autocracy where an individual has absolute control over a country, often achieving it and keeping it through violent means

diplomacy: the work of keeping good relations between the governments of different countries

diplomat: a person employed or skilled in diplomacy

direct democracy: form of democracy in which the power to govern is directly in the hands of the people rather than elected representatives

direct examination: the first questioning of a witness by the side that called the witness to the stand

dissenting opinion: an appellate opinion of judges (justices) that disagrees with the result reached in the majority opinion

district: a territorial division of a nation, state, county, or city for administrative judicial, electoral, or other purposes

domestic: referring to something within one’s home country; opposite of foreign

domestic affairs: issues or concerns in one’s own country

domestic policy: a government’s decisions about issues within the country

double jeopardy: the prosecution of a defendant for a criminal offense for which they have already been tried; prohibited by the 5th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution

due process: the right of people accused of crimes to have laws that treat them fairly, so that they cannot lose their life or freedom without having their legal rights protected

duty: a tax

E

Elastic Clause: the power of Congress to pass all laws they deem necessary and proper for carrying out its delegated/enumerated powers; also known as the Necessary & Proper Clause or implied powers

Electoral College: a group of electors appointed by each state and the District of Columbia who, under Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, form every 4 years for the sole purpose of selecting the president and vice president

English Bill of Rights: a government document written in 1689 that expanded the powers of the English Parliament and expanded the rights of the people, as well as further limited the rights of the king

Enlightenment: an intellectual and philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that focused on reason, ideas on government, and the value of happiness

Equal Protection Clause: the section of the 14th Amendment that says that states must apply the law equally and cannot discriminate against citizens or groups of citizens

Erie Doctrine: a legal doctrine that limits the ability of federal courts to hear cases already decided in state court unless it involves procedural law

Executive Order 9066: issued by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942, that authorized the forced removal of all persons (specifically Japanese Americans) deemed a threat to national security from the West Coast to relocation centers

early voting: a process to make voting more convenient by allowing voters in a public election to vote before the scheduled day either remotely or in person

economic system: the method used by a society or government to organize production and distribute resources, goods and services

elected: chosen by voters to serve in a specific position

elected official: a person holding public office by virtue of election to that office or through constitutional succession

election: an organized choice by vote to select a person for a political office or other position

elector (Electoral College): a person who is certified to represent their state’s vote in the Electoral College

elector (Florida): a person eligible to vote according to the Florida Constitution; U.S. citizen, Florida resident, at least 18 years old

electoral votes: the choice expressed collectively by the Electoral College, which determines the winner of elections for president and vice president in the U.S.

electorate: all the people in an area that are eligible to vote in an election

electronic voting: a ballot that will be completed on an electronic device, such as a touchscreen computer

embargo: an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country

embassy: the residence or office of a country’s ambassador

eminent domain: the right of the government to take private property for public use; the 5th Amendment requires that people be paid fairly (compensated) for their property if it is taken by the government

emotional appeal: a propaganda technique that relies on emotional responses rather than logic to sway an audience

enumerated powers: the powers specifically named and assigned to the national government, or prohibited to be exercised by the states under the U.S. Constitution; also known as expressed or delegated powers

environmental policy: any measure by a government, corporation, or public/private organization regarding the effects of human activities on the environment

equality of mankind: the concept that every individual is born equal, has equal opportunity to succeed and is entitled to the same set of basic rights

espionage: the practice of spying or using spies to obtain military or political information

evidence: an item or information presented during a trial to make the existence of a fact more or less probable

ex post facto law: a law that imposes criminal liability or increases criminal punishment retroactively; prohibited by Article I of the U.S. Constitution

executive (administrative) agencies: federal agencies that are housed under the Executive Office of the President (ex. U.S. Department of Education)

executive action: a directive issued to federal agencies, department heads, or other federal employees by the President of the United States under his or her statutory or constitutional powers

executive agreements: agreements between the U.S. and a foreign government that are made by the executive branch and do not require a formal treaty with Senate ratification

executive branch: the branch of government that enforces the laws

executive order: an order that comes from the U.S. president or a government agency and must be obeyed like a law

executive privilege: the power of the president and other members of the executive branch to keep certain communications confidential from the other two branches

export: to send goods to another country

expressed powers: the powers specifically named and assigned to the national government, or prohibited to be exercised by the states under the U.S. Constitution; also known as delegated or enumerated powers

extradition: a legal process whereby the officials of one state surrender an alleged criminal offender to officials of the state where the crime is alleged to have been committed

F

Federal Judiciary Act of 178: legislation that established the federal court system

Federalist Papers: a series of essays written to explain and defend the proposed U.S. Constitution

Federalists: a group of people in early United States history who favored the establishment of a strong national government and who worked for ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Florida Circuit Courts: the courts that have general jurisdiction over matters not covered by the county courts

Florida County Courts: the courts where most non-jury trials occur; they are referred to as “the people’s courts” because they handle minor disagreements between citizens and minor criminal offenses

Florida Declaration of Rights: the part of the Florida Constitution that lists the basic rights guaranteed to all citizens who live in the state

Florida District Courts of Appeal: appellate courts in the state court system that reviews decisions made by the lower trial courts

Florida Supreme Court: the highest court in Florida

Founders/Founding Fathers: the individuals who played an important role in early U.S. history and in the creation of the U.S. government

Framers: the individuals at the Constitutional Convention who developed the U.S. Constitution and the framework for America’s government

Full Faith and Credit Clause: a requirement in Article IV, Section I of the U.S. Constitution that says that states must respect the public records, laws, and judicial decisions from other states

fair trial: a trial that is conducted fairly, justly, and with procedural regularity by an impartial judge and in which the defendant is afforded his or her rights under the U.S. Constitution or the appropriate state constitution or other law (ex. speedy, jury, no excessive punishments)

faithless elector: a member of the Electoral College who does not vote for the candidate who they pledged to vote for

fear: a propaganda technique that relies on panic or triggering tactics rather than logic to sway an audience

federal system: a system of government in which power is shared between a national government and state/local governments

federal/federal government: pertaining to the national government

federalism: the division of power between the national government and state governments

felony: a crime of high seriousness, often punishable by imprisonment or even death under criminal law

fill-in ballot: a paper ballot that is completed with a pen or marker

financial policy: any measure by a government, corporation, or public/private organization regarding the management of monetary resources

first responder: a person (firefighter, police officer, EMT/paramedic) who is responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance

five freedoms: an informal reference to the freedoms outlined in the 1st Amendment (religion, press, speech, assembly, petition)

foreign: referring to something outside of one’s home country; opposite of domestic

foreign affairs: issues or concerns about other countries around the world

foreign policy: a government’s decisions about relationships with other countries

foreign relations: the power of the executive branch to decide on the United States’ dealings with other countries in order to achieve national goals

form of government: the way a government is structured and operates

founding documents: the documents that expressed the principles and ideas upon which the United States was founded, including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

founding principles: principles the founding documents of the United States were based on: due process of law, equality of mankind, limited government, natural rights, consent of the governed, and the rule of law

free and fair election: an election free of coercion and characterized by genuine choice

free enterprise: an economic system in which private business operates in competition and is largely free of state control

free speech: the ability for an individual or group to speak their opinions/ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or sanction

freedom of the press: the right that the media has to present information to the people without government interference

G

General Orders No. 141: issued by President Lincoln in 1862, which subjected Civil War protestors to martial law and the suspension of habeas corpus

Gideon v. Wainwright: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld the 6th Amendment right that all defendants must be appointed a lawyer if they cannot afford their own attorney (1963)

Government in the Sunshine Law: a Florida law that provides a right of access to governmental proceedings of public boards or commissions at both the state and local levels by ensuring meetings are open to the public, notice of meetings is given, and meeting minutes are recorded and posted

Great Compromise: compromise that established the United States legislature as bicameral (two-house); the Senate would allow each state two representatives; the House of Representatives would have the number of representatives allowed for each state be determined by its population

gatekeeper: a person who controls access to something

general election: an election held to fill all or most of the elected spots in government; held at regular intervals

gerrymandering: the act of controlling the boundaries of district lines to favor an electoral advantage of a political party or faction

glittering generalities: a propaganda technique using short phrases or words to promote positive feelings or emotions

government: the body given the authority to control and make decisions for a country, state, etc.

government agency: a permanent or semi-permanent organization within a national, state, or local government

government institution: organizations and structures that make up a government

government official: someone elected or appointed to serve in a position at the local, state, or national level of government

government services: something such as health care, transportation, or the removal of waste, which is organized by the government or an official body in order to benefit all the people in a particular society or community; sometimes called public services or social services

governor: the head of the executive branch for a state

grand jury: a jury only for criminal cases that does not determine guilt or innocence, but determines whether probable cause and enough evidence exists to say that a crime was committed and that charges should be brought against an individual(s)

green card: the permanent residency card that provides information about the legal status of an individual living and working in the United States

grievance: a complaint

H

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that determined that the 1st Amendment does not protect all types of student speech in school (1988); limited the reach of Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Homeland Security Act: a federal law that established the Department of Homeland Security to secure the air, land, and sea borders of the United States in order to prevent future terrorist attacks (2002)

habeas corpus: the principle that the government has to provide a cause or reason for holding a person in jail

head of state: the symbol of leadership for a nation; the U.S. president is both the head of state and head of government

hearing: a meeting or session of a congressional committee, usually open to the public, to gather information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, or oversee a program

home rule: self-government by citizens at the local level

human rights: rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status

humanitarian efforts: work focused on improving the health and happiness of other people

I

In re Gault: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that determined that juvenile defendants are entitled to due process and 14th Amendment protections (1967)

International Court of Justice: a panel of fifteen judges appointed by the United Nations to hear cases that focus on disputes between nations; also known as the World Court

immigrant: a person who comes to a country to live there permanently

immigration: the movement of people from one country into another country for the purpose of permanent residency

impeach: to bring formal charges of wrongdoing against a public official (ex. the U.S. president)

implied powers: the power of Congress to pass all laws they deem necessary and proper for carrying out its delegated/enumerated powers; also known as the Necessary & Proper Clause or Elastic Clause

import: to bring goods into the country

inalienable (unalienable) rights: rights that cannot be restricted or taken away by government or human laws; also called natural rights

incumbent: a person who is currently holding public office

independent judiciary/judicial independence: the ability for decisions made by courts to be fair and impartial and not influenced by the other branches of government

independent regulatory agency: an agency that exists outside of the national executive departments but has been given rulemaking authority by Congress (ex. Environmental Protection Agency)

indirect democracy: a form of democracy in which the people elect representatives to make policies and laws for them; sometimes called a republic or representative democracy

inherent powers: powers not listed in the U.S. Constitution but are carried out simply because they are traditionally part of governmental duties

initiative: a process by which a particular number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance and force a vote on its adoption

interest group/special interest group: a group of people who are concerned with a particular issue and who try to influence legislators to act in their favor

intergovernmental organization: an organization formed with groups of governments for a specific purpose

international conflict: a conflict between two different nations or groups

international cooperation: countries working together to solve problems (ex. avoiding going to war or managing a resource)

international organization: groups of governments or people from different countries working together to solve an issue that crosses country borders

international relations: relationships between nations around the world

internment: the state of being confined as a prisoner, especially for military or political reasons

interposition: a theory that claims the right of a U.S. state to oppose actions of the national government that the state deems unconstitutional; similar to nullification

interstate commerce: the transportation of products, services, or money across state borders

involuntary servitude: a constitutional term for a person laboring against their will to benefit another, often under threat, force, or intimidation; prohibited by the 13th Amendment

J

Jim Crow laws: laws used throughout the South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to enforce racial segregation and discrimination

John Locke: a philosopher who believed in natural rights and social contract

Judeo-Christian tradition: the beliefs and practices of those following the Jewish and Christian religions such as ethical ideas of justice, individual worth, personal responsibility and rule of law

joint committee: a committee made up of senators and representatives to provide administrative coordination between the House and Senate and conduct studies for the benefit of both houses

joint session: when the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate meet together

judge: a public official who presides over court proceedings and decides questions brought before a court; sometimes also called a ‘justice’

judgment: a formal decision given by a court; also called a decision, ruling, or opinion

judicial: a descriptive term used to indicate that a thing refers, relates, or pertains to a judge or the court

judicial branch: the branch of government that interprets the laws and actions coming from the legislative and executive branches

judicial clerk: an individual hired to conduct legal research, review the record before the court, verify citations in the litigants’ briefs, administer the docket, act as a sounding board for the judge’s ideas, maintain the chamber and library, and compose initial drafts of the opinion

judicial review: the power of the judicial branch to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches and determine whether or not they are unconstitutional; established through the U.S. Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison

jurisdiction: the right and power for courts to hear a case, interpret and apply the law; different types include original, appellate, exclusive, and concurrent

juror: a member of a jury

jury: a sworn body of people convened to hear evidence and render an impartial verdict in a court of law, or to set a penalty or judgment

jury duty: a civic obligation to serve on a jury and make decisions in a legal case

jury summons: the paper sent to a potential juror that requires their attendance in court for possible service on a jury

justice: the ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by those that enforce and interpret the law

justices: the judges of the U.S. Supreme Court and Florida Supreme Court

juvenile law: law that deals with people who are under the age of 18

juvenile rights: rights of people under the age of 18

K

Korematsu v. United States: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld the internment of Japanese-Americans citizens during World War II (1944)

L

Loyalist: a colonist who remained loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution

laissez-faire: an economic policy in which government does not intervene in the actions of private businesses and the people

lame duck: an elected official whose power is reduced because the person who will replace them has already been elected

law: a rule established by government or other source of authority to regulate people’s conduct or activities

law enforcement: the agencies and employees responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public order, managing public safety and discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing a society

law of blood: a person’s citizenship at birth is the same as that of their biological mother or father

law of soil: a person’s citizenship at birth is determined by the country where they were born

legal code: an organized collection of existing laws

legal counsel: a person who gives legal advice or guidance to someone on a specific matter, also known as a lawyer, attorney, or public defender

legal permanent resident: someone who is legally and permanently living in the U.S., but not a U.S. citizen

legal precedent: a principle, rule, or decision established by a previous legal case that becomes relevant in subsequent cases

legislation: a law or a set of laws

legislative branch: the branch of government that makes the laws

legislative district: a geographical area that has fixed borders that is used for election and representation purposes

legislature: governing body responsible for making laws

levels of government: the division of governmental power and responsibilities between different layers: national/federal, state, and local

libel: a published false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation; also known as defamation

liberty: the quality or state of being free

limited government: a government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement

limited monarchy: a form of monarchy in which the king or queen shares authority with an elected legislature and agrees to be bound by a constitution or a set of laws, also known as a constitutional monarchy

line-item veto: the power of an executive to reject parts of a bill without rejecting the entire bill

literacy test: a written test used to decide whether or not someone was eligible to register to vote; typically used in the South in the 20th century to disenfranchise black voters and poor white voters

litigation: the act, process, or practice of settling a dispute in a court of law

lobbying: engaging in activities aimed at influencing government officials, particularly members of a legislative body

lobbyist: a person who engages in activities aimed at influencing government officials

local government: the governing body at any level below that of state or territory, usually overseeing a county, city, municipality, town, or similar

logical fallacies: a propaganda technique that uses faulty or flawed reasoning that lead to unsupported conclusions

M

Magna Carta: a government document that limited the power of the king of England and protected the rights of the nobility; written in 1215

Mapp v. Ohio: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure is inadmissible in a court of law (1961)

Marbury v. Madison: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that established the principle of judicial review (1803)

Mayflower Compact: an agreement between individuals that created a government that would provide order and protect the rights of the colonists; written by a group of English Puritans in Massachusetts in 1620

McCulloch v. Maryland: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that confirmed the creation of a U.S. bank was constitutional through the implied powers of Congress (1819)

Miranda v. Arizona: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that required law enforcement officials to inform the accused of their constitutional rights to remain silent and to have an attorney (1966)

majority leader: a position within a legislative body that is filled by a member who is elected by the majority party to serve as the chief spokesperson for that party, in addition to managing and scheduling business

majority opinion: an appellate opinion supporting the court’s judgment which received a majority vote of the judges (justices) hearing the case

majority party: the political party with the most elected members in a legislative body

majority vote: a vote in which a candidate or public policy issue receives more than half (50% +1) of the votes

market economy: an economic system in which production and prices are determined by supply and demand and unrestricted competition between privately owned businesses

mayor: the head of government for a city or town

media: the means of mass communication in the forms of print, radio, television and internet/social media

midterm election: an election that takes place halfway through a presidential term

military: of or relating to soldiers, arms, or war

military action: when members of the U.S. military are sent to another country to use force; engagement may be with or without a formal war declaration

military law: law that applies only to people in the military (based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ)

militia: the entire body of physically fit civilians eligible by law for military service

minority leader: a position within a legislative body that is filled by a member who is elected by the minority party to serve as the chief spokesperson for that party, in addition to managing and scheduling business

minority party: the political party second in the number of elected members in a legislative body

misdemeanor: a crime that is lesser in seriousness then a felony, often punishable by less than twelve months in jail, community service, probation, or fines

mixed economy: an economic system in which some elements of the economy are left to the free market while some are managed by the government

monarchy: a form of government headed by a king or queen (the ‘monarch’) who inherits the position, rules for life, and holds power that can range anywhere between limited to absolute

N

Necessary and Proper Clause: the power of Congress to pass all laws they deem necessary and proper for carrying out its delegated/enumerated powers; also known as the Elastic Clause or implied powers

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO): a group that functions independently of any government, working for such ends as humanitarian assistance, development, peacebuilding, democratization, and environmental advocacy

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): an international organization of 32 countries that has agreed to protect each other in case of attack; founded in 1949

Northwest Ordinance: a document created in 1787 under the Articles of Confederation Congress that established a government for the Northwest Territory, explained the steps for admitting new states to the Union, and included a bill of rights

name calling: a propaganda technique using negative words to associate with a product or person

national government: the federal level of government; the government of the United States

national interest: a nation’s economic, military, political, and/or cultural goals and ambitions

national security: the security and defense of a sovereign state, including its citizens, economy, and institutions, which is regarded as a duty of government

national sovereignty: the idea that a nation has the power to govern itself

national unity: a sense of common purpose and direction among a nation’s citizens

native/natural born citizen: someone who was born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizens; required to serve as president under the U.S. Constitution

natural law: a system of right or justice held to be common to all humans and derived from nature rather than from the rules of society

natural rights: rights an individual is born with that cannot be given or taken by government (ex. life, liberty, pursuit of happiness); also known as inalienable/unalienable rights

naturalization: the process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen

naturalization laws: laws made by Congress that people from other countries must follow in order to become legal citizens of the United States

nominate: to propose as a candidate for appointment or election to office

non-partisan: having no affiliation with a political party

nullification: a legal theory that a state has the right to invalidate any national laws they deem unconstitutional with respect to the U.S. Constitution

O

Oath of Allegiance: the official statement made at a naturalization ceremony in which one pledges their loyalty to the United States

obligation: a requirement or duty, something a person or government has to do

oligarchy: a form of government in which a small group or class of people have total control and power with little to no accountability

omission: a propaganda technique in which information or details are purposely excluded or left out

open primary: a nominating election in which any registered voter may choose which primary they will vote, but they are then excluded from participating in the other party’s primary

opinion: the written views of the judge(s) on a specific order; also called a decision, judgment, or ruling

ordinance: a law enacted by a city or county affecting local affairs (ex. traffic, noise, animal control)

original jurisdiction: the power of a court to be the first to hear a case on a specific topic

P

Parliament: the legislature of Great Britain; also used as a term for the legislature of some other countries

Patriot: a colonist who supported independence from British rule

Pentagon: the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense

Plessy V. Ferguson: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that determined that “separate but equal” segregation laws did not violate the U.S. Constitution (1896)

President Pro Tempore: a high-ranking senator of the majority party who leads the U.S. Senate

pardon: the formal act of forgiving someone or excusing a mistake or crime

party affiliation: the political party a voter is registered as belonging to, or is most closely connected with

party platform: a written statement of the goals and principles of a political party

peaceful protest: nonviolent resistance or action for the purpose of achieving social or political change

peacekeeping operations: the deployment of national or, more commonly, multinational forces for the purpose of helping to control and resolve an actual or potential armed conflict between or within countries

peremptory challenge: a defendant’s or lawyer’s objection to a proposed juror, made without needing to give a reason

permanent residency: the allowance of an individual to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, giving them a Green Card and allowing an opportunity to become a citizen

permanent resident: non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States

petit jury: a trial jury for both civil and criminal cases that listens to evidence offered and returns a verdict

petition: a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause

plain folks: a propaganda technique conveying that a candidate is a “regular” person, just like everyone else

plaintiff: a person or party who brings a case against another in a court of law

plea agreement: a bargain between defendants and prosecutors in which defendants agree to plead guilty to some or all of the charges against them in exchange for concessions from the prosecutors, usually a reduction in punishment

plurality vote: a vote in which a candidate receives more votes than any other candidate in an election, but is not a majority

pocket veto: the disapproval of a bill brought about by an indirect rejection from an executive

polis: a city-state in ancient Greece

political action committee (PAC): an independent political organization that promotes the cause of a particular interest group, usually through raising money and campaigning to elect candidates who support the group’s views

political communication: the use of media to convey messages or information related to government issues, campaigns or public offices

political office: the name given to a government office that is obtained through election or appointment

political party: an organization that tries to get political power by electing members to public office so that their political ideas can become laws or policies

political systems: the set of formal legal institutions that constitute a government or a state

politician: a person involved in politics; often referred to as an elected official

politics: the activities that relate to the work of people in government, influencing the policies of government, or attempts to get and keep power in government

poll: voting in an election

poll tax: a fee someone has to pay in order to vote

poll worker: an individual who is responsible for proper and orderly voting at polling places

polling places/polls: where votes are cast or recorded

popular sovreignty: the principle that the legitimacy and authority of a government comes from the will of the people

popular vote: the tally of each individual’s vote within a given geographic area

preamble: an introductory statement in a document that explains the document’s purpose and underlying principles (ex. Preamble to the U.S. Constitution)

precedent: something that will be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future

precinct: a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes

preponderance of evidence: the standard of proof in most civil cases in which the party bearing the burden of proof must present evidence which is more credible and convincing than that presented by the other party or which shows that the fact to be proven is more probable than not

president: the head of the government for the nation

presidential oath: the oath that the president of the United States takes upon assuming office in which they swear their allegiance to uphold the U.S. Constitution

presidential ticket: the joint listing of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on the same ballot as required by the 12th Amendment

press: the news industry in a variety of outlets, such as print (newspapers, magazines) broadcasts (radio, television) and the internet

primary election: a nominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election

private property: ownership of property by private parties, essentially anyone or anything other than the government

procedural law: the law governing the workings of the courts and the methods by which both the state and the individual enforce their rights in the courts

propaganda: information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular cause or point of view

property rights: the exclusive authority to own property and determine its use

proportional representation: an electoral system in which political parties are awarded seats in a legislative body based on the percentage of the vote received during an election

prosecute: to carry out legal action against an accused person to prove his or her guilt

prosecutor: the state or federal government attorney in a criminal case

public good: a commodity or service that is made available without profit to all members of society; sometimes known as the common good

public interest: common benefit, the general benefit of the public

public official: an elected or appointed official serving in national, state, or local government

public opinion: the collection of attitudes of a group of people in a population

public policy: what the government chooses to do or not do about a particular issue or problem

punch card ballot: a paper ballot that must have certain portions punctured in order indicate selections

Q

quartering soldiers: when the government forces individuals to provide housing, food, and other support to soldiers

R

Reconstruction: the era in American history that followed the Civil War, during which attempts were made to integrate African Americans into society, and resolve the problems arising from the readmission of the 11 southern states that had seceded (withdrew) to the Union; 1865-1877

Regents of the University of California v. Bakke: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that determined that the use of racial quotas violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment (1978)

Republican Party: a political party that formed in 1854 after a split with the Whig Party over the issue of expansion of slavery

Reynolds v. Sims: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that established that equal protection requires that state legislative districts be comprised of roughly equal populations if possible; “one-person, one-vote” (1964)

Rooker-Feldman Doctrine: ensures that an individual or party cannot challenge or attempt to relitigate a case in federal court once state courts have made a decision, with the exception of appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court if certain criteria are met

ratification: the process of formally approving something

ratify: to confirm by expressing consent or approval

rationing: allowing a person to only have a fixed amount of a commodity

reapportionment: the process by which seats in the House of Representatives are reassigned among the states to reflect population changes following a census

redistricting: the process of states redrawing legislative district boundaries to reflect population changes following a census

referendum: a general or direct vote by the people on a political issue

refugee: a person who is outside their country of origin and is unwilling or unable to return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on: race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion; also called an asylee

regime: a ruling system; commonly associated with dictatorial/authoritarian governments

registered voter: those legally eligible to vote who have registered in accordance with the requirements prevailing in their state and locality

regulations: official rules or requirements issued by a government agency to implement laws passed by a legislative body

religious liberty/freedom of religion: the ability for individuals to believe and practice a religion freely without government interference

representation: a person or group acting on behalf of another person or group

representative democracy: a form of democracy in which the people elect representatives to make policies and laws for them; sometimes called a republic or indirect democracy

representative government: a form of government that allows people to vote and elect government officials to represent their beliefs and make decisions on their behalf

republic: a form of government in which the people elect representatives to make policies and laws for them; sometimes called a representative democracy or indirect democracy

republicanism: the political belief that supports the idea of republican government where citizens choose their representatives and leaders and actively participate in civic life for the common good of the nation/community

reserved powers: powers that the U.S. Constitution does not grant to the national government but instead belong to the states and the people

responsibility: something a person should do

revenue: the yield of sources of income,such as taxes, that a nation or state collects and receives into the treasury for public use

revolution: to forcibly overthrow a government or social order

right to bear arms: the right contained in the 2nd Amendment for an individual to possess a firearm (weapon)

rights: something to which one has a just claim

rule of law: a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws; no one is above the law

ruling: a formal decision given by a court; also called a decision, judgment, or opinion

runoff election: an election that takes place when no candidate earns a majority of the vote in a previous race

S

Schenck v. United States: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that established the clear and present danger doctrine, which limits an individual’s freedom of speech as it affects public good or safety (1919); limited later by Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)

Selective Service: a system by which men ages 18 through 25 register with the U.S. government for military service

Senate: one of the two houses within the legislative body of the U.S. government, consisting of 100 elected officials, two from each state

September 11, 2001: the date of the deadliest terrorist attacks ever launched against the United States; also called 9/11 or Patriot Day

Shays’s Rebellion: an event when 2,000 Massachusetts farmers rebelled against land foreclosures and debt from the Revolutionary War; demonstrated one of the biggest weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation (also known as Shays’ Rebellion)

Speaker of the House: the leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, usually the highest ranking member of the majority party

State of the Union: an annual message delivered by the president to a joint session of the United States Congress near the beginning of most calendar years on the current condition of the nation; required under Article II, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution; may be written and sent or delivered in a speech

Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled that race-based college admissions systems violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (2023)

Supervisor of Elections: an elected official who oversees a county’s voter registration and elections

Supremacy Clause: the section of Article VI that states that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land and that national laws are supreme over state laws

sanctions: penalties or other means of enforcement used to provide incentives for obedience with the law or other rules and regulations

school board: the group of persons elected to manage local public schools

search and seizure: a law enforcement agent’s examination of a person’s home, vehicle, or business to find evidence that a crime has been committed; must be reasonable according the 4th Amendment

sedition: language intended to incite insurrection against a governing authority

self-government: popular or representative system where the people create and run their own government

self-incrimination: the intentional or unintentional act of providing information that will suggest one’s involvement in a crime or expose a person to criminal prosecution; prohibited by the 5th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution

senator: a member of the United States Senate

separation of powers: a principle of government that sets up a structural division of responsibilities within distinct branches, each with their own powers and processes

settlement: a resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, reached before or after court action begins

slander: making false and damaging statements

slavery: the condition of being legally owned by someone else and forced to work for or obey them; outlawed by the 13th Amendment

social class: a group of people within a society who possess the same socioeconomic status

social contract: an implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government

socialism: a political and economic system in which the government owns and controls major industries rather than individual people and companies

sovereignty: supreme power or authority

special election: an election that takes place outside the regular election cycle most often to fill vacancies in public elected offices or to allow the public to vote on a specific issue

special/select committee: a permanent committee established under the standing rules of both houses of Congress that focuses on a special subject area; may also be a temporary committee used for investigative purposes

standing committee: a permanent committee established under the standing rules of both houses of Congress with specific responsibilities and jurisdictions

state government: the government of an individual state

state legislator: an elected member of state government, such as the Florida House of Representatives (state representative) or Florida Senate (state senator)

state legislature: the legislative body of an individual state; responsible for making state laws

state representative: a member of the lower house of a state legislature (Florida House of Representatives)

state senator: a member of the upper house of a state legislature (Florida Senate)

states’ rights: a power or issue for individual states to determine under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

statute: a law enacted at the state level

statutory law: laws passed by Congress or a state legislature

substantive law: law that creates or defines rights, duties, obligations, and causes of action that can be enforced by law

suffrage: the right to vote

summary judgment: a judgment decided by a trial court without that case going to trial

symbolism: the use of a mark, sign, or word to represent ideas or qualities

system of government: the way in which a government organizes and distributes power

T

Thomas Paine: author of the pro-independence pamphlet Common Sense in 1776

Three-Fifths Compromise: compromise that determined how to count the slave population when calculating a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation purposes

Tinker v. Des Moines: protected the rights of students to free and symbolic speech (1969); later limited by the Hazelwood decision (1988)

Twelve Tables: a code of laws in ancient Rome which spelled out civil matters, crime and punishment, and relationships among citizens and family members; applied to all social classes

tax/taxation: money charged by a government for specific facilities or services

tenure: the length of time holding a position or office

term: a fixed or limited period of time in which an individual holds a government position or office

terrorism: the use of extreme fear and violence, especially against civilians, to achieve political or ideological goals

testimonial: a propaganda technique involving the use of a celebrity or spokesperson to speak on behalf of a product or candidate

testimony: oral or written evidence given under oath during legal proceedings

theocracy: a form of government in which religious authorities rule in the name of a god or deity

third-party: a political party that is not one of the two major political parties in the country; a minor party, such as the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, or the Constitution Party

totalitarian: a form of government in which power is centralized with one individual or group and requires complete subservience to the state

trade: to buy and sell goods or services

transfer: a propaganda technique involving the use of symbols to convey a message or feeling

transparency: the capacity of citizens to obtain valid and timely information about the activities of government or private business for the purpose of making informed decisions and holding individuals/institutions accountable

treason: the crime of betraying one’s country

treaty: an agreement or arrangement between two or more countries

trial: the formal court process for issues in criminal or civil cases

trial court: the local, state, or federal court that is the first to hear a civil or criminal case; involves a hearing and decision with a single judge, with or without a jury

two-party system: a political system consisting primarily of two major political parties that are more or less equal in strength

tyranny: oppressive power exerted by government

tyrant: a single ruler that possesses and abuses absolute government power

U

U.S. Congress: the national legislative body of the U.S., consisting of the Senate (upper house), and the House of Representatives (lower house)

U.S. Constitution: the document that lays out the principles of American government, establishes the form and system of government, and serves as the supreme law of the land

U.S. Courts of Appeal: the courts where parties who are dissatisfied with the judgment of a U.S. District Court may take their case

U.S. Department of State (State Department): the executive cabinet level department in the U.S. government that advises the president and leads the nation in foreign policy issues

U.S. District Courts: the courts where most federal cases begin, these are courts of original jurisdiction and hear civil and criminal cases

U.S. House of Representatives: one of the two houses within the legislative body of the U.S. government, consisting of 435 elected officials, proportionally representing the 50 states

U.S. Representative: a member of the U.S House of Representatives elected to represent a district within a state

U.S. Senate: one of the two houses within the legislative body of the U.S. government, consisting of 100 elected officials, two from each state

U.S. Senator: a member of the U.S. Senate elected to represent an entire state

U.S. Supreme Court: the highest court of the United States

U.S. Supreme Court Justice: a member of the U.S. Supreme Court

USA PATRIOT Act: a federal law that expands the investigative authority of the national government’s law enforcement agencies to combat global terrorism

United Airlines Flight 93: one of the flights hijacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001; crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the heroic passengers fought back

United Nations (UN): an organization founded in 1943 to keep world peace, develop friendly relationships among countries, and improve the quality of life for the world’s poor people; consists of 193 member countries

United States v. Nixon: the landmark case/decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that further defined and limited executive privilege (1974)

unalienable (inalienable) rights: rights that cannot be restricted or taken away by government or human laws; also called natural rights

unenumerated rights: any right that is not specifically addressed in the Constitution but still may be protected (ex. privacy)

unicameral: having a single legislative chamber, as in the state of Nebraska

unitary: a system of government where almost all power is located with the central government

V

Voting Rights Act of 1965: a federal law that banned race discrimination in voting practices by federal, state, and local governments

verdict: the finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial

veto: the constitutional power of a president or state governor to reject a decision or proposal made by a legislature

vice-president: the individual next in rank to the president

voir dire: the process through which potential jurors are questioned by either the judge or lawyers to determine their suitability for jury service

vote: to formally record one’s choice or opinion in an election or on a specific question

voter drives: an organized attempt to encourage more individuals to vote

voter registration: the requirement that citizens who meet eligibility must register on an electoral roll in order to be permitted to vote in elections

voter turnout: the proportion of eligible voters who actually cast a vote

W

We the People: the first three words of the U.S. Constitution; refer to the idea that government depends on the people for its power and exists to serve them

White House: the residence and workplace of the U.S. president while in office

World Trade Center: a large complex of financial buildings in New York City that were destroyed during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001; most famous being the Twin Towers

World Trade Organization (WTO): an international organization founded in 1995 to promote international trade and economic development by reducing taxes and other restrictions between nations

war: a conflict carried out by force of arms either by land, sea, or air between nations or parties within a nation

watchdog: a person or group who critically monitors the activities of another entity such as government or corporations

whistleblower: a person, often an employee, revealing information about activity within a private or public organization that is deemed illegal, immoral, illicit, unsafe or fraudulent

white primary: primary elections held in the Southern United States, primarily in the late 19th century, that were open to white voters only

winner-take-all: an electoral system in which the political party candidate that receives the most votes during an election wins the elected office for which they are running

writ: a formal written document typically issued by a legal authority with administrative or judicial powers

writ of certiorari: the procedure to see if the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case; a writ of certiorari is issued when a higher level court agrees to hear an appeal of an inferior court’s decision

X

Y

Z