Congress expert
Allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches
checks and
balances
Sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities
separation of powers
a government in which a single ruler possesses and abuses absolute power
tyranny
the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, establishing rights and protections for Americans
Bill of Rights
the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781 and replaced in 1789
Articles of Confederation
the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments; life, liberty, and property
natural rights
the introduction to the U.S. Constitution
Preamble
U.S. Supreme Court case that established judicial review
Marbury v. Madison
a group of people in the early United States who did not want the U.S. Constitution because they feared a strong national government and the constitution lacked protection for individual rights
Anti-Federalists
peace (in the preamble)
tranquility
Give up certain natural rights and in return you get back protection from the government.
social contract
a government that has been limited in power by a constitution.
limited government
a group of people in the early United States who favored a strong national government and who worked for ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Federalists
the process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen
naturalization
to establish something by law on the local level
ordinance
the idea that people have the right to fair and reasonable laws.
due process
the Fifth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution; defendants may not be tried twice for the same crime.
double jeopardy
usually with 12 members, whose job is to determine facts and make a judgment of guilty or not guilty; protected in the Sixth Amendment
Jury (Trial by Jury)
the method of spreading ideas or information for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
Propaganda
a complaint or hard time
grievance
the process of formally approving something
ratification
a person who tries to influence government officials in congress
Lobbyist
powers shared by the national, state, and/or local government
Concurrent Powers
the powers specifically named and assigned to the federal government
delegated/enumerated/ expressed powers
the right of the government to take private property for public use; the Fifth Amendment requires that fair compensation be made when property is taken.
eminent domain