Amendment

a change or addition to the Constitution

Bicameral

two house legislature.  The U.S. Congress is bicameral.

Bill

a proposed law.

Bill of Attainder

was a legislative act in England, which allowed people to be punished without trail.    Congress prohibits these.

Brown vs. the Board of Education

the U.S. Supreme Court case decision that declared segregation in Public schools unconstitutional.

Census

population counts done every 10 years.

Central, National, or Federal Government

all these words mean the United States government which is in Wash, D.C.

Checks and Balances

the Constitution separated the powers of the federal gov’t into 3 branches and provided that these 3 branches would “check and balance” each other.  This was done to prevent any one branch of gov’t from assuming too much power.

Concurrent

at the same time.  Power held by both the federal government and the state government. (Example:  income tax.)

Congress

the lawmaking branch of the federal gov’t, consists of both Senate and House of Representatives.

Double Jeopardy

to be tried for the same crime twice.  The Constitution prohibits this from happening.

Due Process of Law

guarantees that every accused person will have the benefit of an orderly, step-by-step procedure under the law.

Eminent Domain

the right of the government to buy private property for the public good.

Ex Post Facto Law

is a law, which makes an act a crime after it has been done.  Ex post facto laws are prohibited by the Constitution.

Electoral College

an elected body of electors who cast ballots for the President and Vice-President.

Executive

branch of federal gov’t which contains the President and Vice-President

Extradition

returning the accused to the state where the crime was committed.

Federalism or Federal System

division of political power between the national government and the state government

Gerrymandering

manipulation voting boundary lines to secure an advantage for a political party

Habeas Corpus

is a prisoner’s guarantee that he will be taken into court and be told why he was arrested.  To be formally charged.  Congress may not suspend these rights.

Impeach/ Impeachment

to accuse a government official of a crime.

Implied Powers

these are powers of Congress that are not stated but are “suggested” by the necessary and proper clause.  Also called the “elastic clause”.

Item Veto

Governor’s right to veto a part of an appropriation bill while signing the remaining sections into law

Judicial

branch of federal government, which contains the courts and judges, appointed by the President.  Supreme Court.

Judicial Review

the power of the courts to declare laws to be in violation of the constitution.  (unconstitutional)

Legislative

lawmaking branch of the federal gov’t.  Congress

Marbury vs. Madison

court case that first established the principle of judicial review

President Pro Tempore

an elected temporary leader in charge of Senate when Vice-President is absent

Ratify

to accept , to make official

Reserved Powers

powers not given to the federal government.  They are reserved to the states or to the people.

Separation of Powers

dividing the responsibilities of government among the three branches of government.  This was done to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Suffrage

the right to vote.

Supremacy Clause

refers to article VI which states that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the country

Treason

activity seeking to overthrow the government.  This is the only crime specifically mentioned in the Constitution.  For conviction, there must be 2 eyewitnesses or a confession.  Penalty is death.

Veto

rejects.  Presidential power to return a bill to Congress.