What is the 14th Amendment, and what does it say about citizenship and voting?
The 14th Amendment defines who is a citizen, grants citizenship to former slaves, and says that voters must be male and at least 21 years old.
What is an appellate court?
An appellate court is a court that hears appeals from lower courts.
What does bias mean?
Bias is when someone has a preference or opinion that favors one side over another.
What is selective service?
Selective service is a system for men aged 18 to 25 to register for military service.
What is the law of blood?
The law of blood means citizenship is passed down from biological parents.
What is judicial review?
Judicial review is the power of courts to decide if laws or actions are unconstitutional.
What is a bandwagon technique in advertising?
The bandwagon technique encourages people to like something because everyone else does.
What does bicameral mean?
Bicameral means having two parts, like the two houses of Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
What are checks and balances?
Checks and balances are rules that ensure no branch of government becomes too powerful.
What does the law of soil mean?
The law of soil means citizenship is based on the country where a person is born.
What does it mean to make an appeal in court?
To make an appeal means to ask a higher court to review a case and decide if the trial was fair.
What is a civil case?
A civil case is a legal dispute involving the rights of citizens.
What is a watchdog?
A watchdog is a person or group that monitors and protects the community's interests.
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A PAC is an independent group that promotes a specific cause or interest in politics.
What is naturalization?
Naturalization is the process by which an immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
What is a cabinet in the government?
The cabinet is a group of people chosen by the president to lead government departments and give advice.
What is original jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction is the power of a court to be the first to hear a case.
What is an interest group?
An interest group is a group that tries to influence lawmakers about specific issues.
Who is a lobbyist?
A lobbyist is someone who works to influence government decisions on behalf of an interest group.
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is using something to represent bigger ideas or qualities.
What is summary judgment?
Summary judgment is a decision made by a court without a full trial.
What is a writ of certiorari?
A writ of certiorari is a request for the Supreme Court to review a case.
What is a testimonial?
A testimonial is when a celebrity or well-known person promotes a product or candidate.
What does it mean to transfer a message?
Transferring a message means using symbols or images to express ideas or feelings.
What is due process?
Due process means that people accused of a crime have rights and must be treated fairly.
What is the rule of law?
The rule of law means everyone, including those who govern, must follow the same laws.
What is the separation of powers?
The separation of powers divides government into three branches, each with its own responsibilities.
What does it mean to impeach someone?
To impeach means to formally accuse a public official of wrongdoing.
What is an executive order?
An executive order is a directive from the president that has the force of law.
What is home rule?
Home rule allows local governments to govern themselves.
What is the preamble of the U.S. Constitution?
The preamble is the introduction that explains the purpose of the Constitution.
What are concurrent powers?
Concurrent powers are powers shared by national, state, and local governments.
What are delegated powers?
Delegated powers are specific powers given to the federal government by the Constitution.
What is the elastic clause?
The elastic clause allows Congress to make any laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its duties.
What are enumerated powers?
Enumerated powers are specific powers listed in the Constitution that belong to the federal government.