Foundations of Government
This 1215 document was the first to limit the power of the King and establish the Rule of Law.
Magna Carta
What is the first part of the Constitution that lists the goals and purposes of the government?
The Preamble.
Which branch of government has the power to carry out (enforce) the laws?
The Executive Branch
Which landmark Supreme Court case established the principle of Judicial Review?
Marbury v. Madison
What is the legal process called by which a person born in another country becomes a U.S. citizen?
Naturalization
This document, written by the Pilgrims in 1620, established a system of self-government in the colonies.
The Mayflower Compact
Which amendment protects the right to free speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition?
The 1st Amendment.
What do we call the system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other two?
Checks and Balances
In Gideon v. Wainwright, the Supreme Court ruled that all accused persons have the right to this, even if they cannot afford it.
An attorney/lawyer
Which is a duty of a citizen: voting, staying informed, or paying taxes?
Paying Taxes
Thomas Paine wrote this pamphlet to convince colonists that independence from Britain was necessary.
Common Sense
Which amendment protects citizens against "unreasonable searches and seizures"?
The 4th Amendment
This is the process of charging a government official with wrongdoing (the House does this, the Senate holds the trial).
Impeachment
This case ruled that students have free speech rights in school, as long as it isn't disruptive.
Tinker v. Des Moines
What do we call the list of goals and beliefs that a political party supports?
A platform
This concept, famously used in the Declaration of Independence, refers to rights that cannot be taken away by government.
Natural/Unalienable Rights.
These were written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay to argue in favor of ratifying the Constitution.
The Federalist Papers
This branch has the power to confirm or reject presidential appointments and treaties.
The Legislative Branch / The Senate
This case ruled that public schools must be integrated because "separate but equal" is inherently unequal.
Brown v. Board of Education
In the U.S. presidential election, the winner is determined by this group, not by the popular vote.
The Electoral College
Baron de Montesquieu influenced the U.S. Constitution by promoting this idea to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Separation of Powers.
This clause (also known as the "Necessary and Proper" clause) allows Congress to stretch its powers.
The Elastic Clause
A bill must pass both houses of Congress in identical form before it can be sent to this person for a signature.
The President
This case established that police must inform suspects of their rights before questioning.
Miranda v. Arizona
This type of law governs disputes between private parties (like a lawsuit over a broken contract).
Civil Law