Idea: "Separation of Power"; Founding Fathers used his views when writing the Constitution; suggested a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary branch of gov.

He wrote that government is morally obligated to serve people, namely by protecting their natural rights of life, liberty, and property; ideas used in the Declaration of Independence.

the belief that government only exists to serve the will of the people; if the government violates individual rights, people are obligated to rebel. (Declaration of Independence/American Revolution)

First document to limit the powers of the King (800+ years ago); citizens could not be deprived of life, liberty or property without a lawful judgment of their peers or by law of the land {fifth amendment due process rights}

listed rights including freedom from taxation without representation; outlawed cruel and unusual punishment; guaranteed the right to bear arms; and more; (same rights are included in the U.S. Constitution)

1st document to establish self-government in the colonies; signed before the Pilgrim passengers left the ship

pamphlet encouraging colonists to demand their rights as citizens and support independence for the colonies; ideas are in the Declaration of Independence

control of a country by its own members rather than by a different country

Statement of American ideals - role of government is to protect their natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) - adopted July 4, 1776; listed grievances against the king including being taxed without consent (taxation without representation)

permission of those under the government's rule

Cruel and oppressive government or rule

Protests by Massachusetts farmers over tax collections and judgments for debt; a reason to revise or replace the Articles of Confederation

First form of government for America.

Introduction to the U.S. Constitution, establishing the goals and purposes of government; "We the People" and six goals of government

Powers of government are divided among three branches of government: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial; limits the power of government. (Montesquieu)

Each governmental branch has powers to limit (check) the other branches; keeps the balance of power equal between the branches (Montesquieu)

Supporters of the Constitution who believed a strong national government is needed to keep the country united; wrote the Federalist Papers to gain support for the Constitution

feared a strong federal government as created by the Constitution; pushed for a "Bill of Rights" to protect individual liberties

Group of laws that refer to disputes among people or organizations.

Group of laws that define what acts/activities are crimes; describes how a person accused of a crime should be tried in court and how crimes should be punished.

law based on the Constitution and on Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution

Laws that are passed by a law-making body (such as Congress); most criminal and many civil laws are these types of laws.

law that governs the behavior of men and women in all branches of the U.S. armed forces

type of law that develops from judges' previous decisions and is followed in situations not covered by statutory law;

A system of government that divides the powers of government between the national (federal) government and state and local governments. (U.S.)

A system of government where the states have the power and the national government is weak. (Articles of Confederation)

branch of the government, created by Article I in the Constitution, that makes the laws.

one part of the Legislative Branch; has 435 elected members from 50 states; # based on a state's population; any $ bills must start in this chamber

one part of the Legislative Branch.

branch of government, created by Article II in the Constitution; in charge of enforcing the laws; the President is the U.S. leader

Powers that are shared by the states and federal government including raising and collecting taxes, making and enforcing laws, creating state and local court systems, and borrowing and spending money

Powers that are clearly spelled out in the Constitution for the federal government;

Powers granted to Congress by Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Includes: coining money, regulating trade, making immigration law, declaring war, and funding & regulating armed forces

Powers granted to the states; includes marriage laws, driving laws, regulations, maintaining education systems, conducting elections; protected by the 10th Amendment

2/3 vote in both houses of Congress; 3/4 of state legislatures; takes a long time; not easy to gain approval and ratify a new amendment

The power of the courts to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches - can strike down laws that are deemed unconstitutional; 1st used in Marbury v. Madison

A law or regulation made by a city or town government.

A law enacted by the federal or state legislative branch of a government.

another name for a law

The power to hear appeals of cases which have been tried in lower courts.

The power to hear a case for the first time.

Florida Supreme Court Florida Courts of Appeals Florida District Courts County Courts (lower Courts)

U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals U.S. District Court (Trial court)

Words that remind Americans that the government depends on the people for its power and exists to serve them

complaints like taxation without representation, quartering soldiers in time of peace; suspending colonial governments

Basic rights of the people that may not be taken away; used in the Declaration of Independence

the date the U.S. declared independence from England

1) Stamp Act - tax on documents

Enlightenment thinkers who influenced the Founding Fathers with their ideas

a non-citizen who is legally permitted to remain in a country

First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

No one is above the law; even leaders must follow the laws;a foundation of liberty in the U.S.; protects us from tyranny; ensures limited government

As defined by the 14th Amendment: all who are born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the U.S. and of the state they reside in.

Legal process through which immigrants become U.S. citizens; steps include application, interview, exam and oath of allegiance

a person's nationality at birth is the same as that of a natural parent; Ex: if a child's parents are American citizens traveling through France when the child is born, the child is a natural born U.S. Citizen.

the country of citizenship of a child is determined by where the child is born;

something a U.S. citizen should do; includes voting, recycling, volunteering, helping and respecting others

something that citizens owe their nation or have to do; includes serving on a jury, abiding the law, registering for selective service, paying taxes, attending school

A system for calling up people for compulsory (required) military service; U.S. males must register at age 18

protects five freedoms: religion, assembly, press, petition, speech (RAPPS)

protects the right to bear arms

no soldiers will be quartered (housed) without the consent of the owners during times of peace (Three's a Crowd)

protects against unreasonable search and seizure without a warrant or probable cause (Don't come knocking without a warrant!)

1. Before being tried for a serious crime a grand jury must indict (formally accuse) the person of the crime.

a person must be informed of the charges against them; right to a prompt and public trial decided by a jury; right to legal counsel (attorney); can hear and question all witnesses and have their own witnesses;

in cases involving money or property over $20, the right to a trial by jury is preserved in civil suits

protects against cruel and unusual punishments and excessive bail and fines

rights reserved to the people that are not listed in the Constitution; refers to the natural rights of people; also called unenumerated rights - those not written in the Constitution

powers that are reserved for the states; not belonging to the federal government and not prohibited to the states; belong to the states or the people

the right to vote

prohibited by the Fifth Amendment; can't put a person through a second trial for an offense already tried in a court of law

established procedures when people are charged with a crime; this protection helps to ensure justice; (Fifth Amendment)

a power of the government to take private property for public use without the owner's consent; the Fifth Amendment requires the payment of just compensation to the owner

a person's refusal to answer a question on the grounds that the answer might incriminate the person; protected by the Fifth Amendment

refusal to obey governmental demands or commands as a nonviolent and usually collective (group) way of forcing the government to do or change something

prohibits discrimination (on the basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin) in public accommodations, facilities, and schools; prohibits discrimination in federally funded projects

an act provided for equal housing opportunities regardless of race, religion, gender, or national origin; also known as the Fair Housing Act

outlawed slavery in all states and all lands governed by the U.S.

Granted full citizenship to African Americans; citizens cannot be deprived of rights without due process of the law; guarantees equal protection under the law; voters are males 21 years +

states that no one can be denied suffrage (right to vote) based on race or color

prohibits any U.S. citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of gender; women's suffrage

bans the use of poll taxes as a requirement for voting in national elections; Supreme Court interpretation later expanded this to state elections, too.

lowered the voting age in all elections from 21 to 18 in response to public opinion during the Vietnam War

a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution designed to guarantee equal rights for women; originally proposed in 1923 but never ratified by 38 states

political powers reserved for the state governments and not the federal government (Article 6 Constitution)

designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; prohibits discrimination in voting; considered one of the most effective pieces of civil rights legislation ever enacted in the U.S.

establishes the Supreme Court's power of judicial review (deciding whether laws passed by Congress are constitutional)

"Separate, but equal" was constitutional;

segregation in public schools is unconstitutional; reverses the Court's earlier position on segregation set by Plessy v. Ferguson

established free legal help for those who cannot otherwise afford representation in court (FL decision appealed after Gideon was denied an attorney)

ruled that a person's Fifth Amendment rights begin at the time of arrest; "Miranda Rights" include a lawyer be present during questioning after arrest

establishes the extent of public school students' constitutional rights while at school; black armbands worn to school to protest the war in Vietnam.

establishes that the 1st Amendment does not require schools to promote particular types of student speech (specifically about a school newspaper). the paper was sponsored by the school and the school was within its rights to prevent publication of articles it found inappropriate

court ruling forced President Nixon to turn over secret tapes of White House conversations; due process of law more important than "executive privilege" which is the right to withhold information from other government branches

Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that held that juveniles accused of crimes in a delinquency proceeding must be afforded many of the same due process rights as adults.

After issues with voters' ballots in FL, the FL Supreme Court issued a recount. The US Supreme Court ruled that this was unconstitutional, since the FL Supreme Court was creating a new election law (something they cannot do). The recount was stopped. George Bush declared the winner in FL and the U.S.

Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that firearm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self- defense within the home.

The enforced separation of different racial groups.

a citizen or non-citizen who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis

Political party in the U.S., which supports communism - the economic and political system in which the government owns the means of production and decides what will be produced.

Political party in the U.S. that believes each individual has the right to control his or her own body, action, speech, and property. Government's only role is to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud.

Political Party in the U.S. which supports socialism - working people own and control the means of production and distribution through democratically- controlled public agencies, cooperatives, or other collective groups.

One of the two major political parties in the U.S. considered to be more liberal; the party supports a stronger role for the federal government in providing social programs.

One of the two major political parties in the U.S. considered to be more conservative; the party supports reducing the power of the federal government in providing social programs.

U.S. only has two main political parties, but hundreds of smaller parties exist. Smaller parties, usually, do not have a significant impact on national politics, but have at times, swayed the vote enough to help one of the major candidates to win.

Candidates must:

Candidates must:

Candidates must:

Organizations of people with common interests who try to influence government policies and decisions.

A person paid to represent an interest group's viewpoint.

Seeking to influence a politician or public official on an issue.

The part of a special interest group that collects voluntary contributions from members to fund political candidates and political parties that the interest group favors.

A group of people who act as protectors of other citizens against illegal, inefficient and unethical practices in government.

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; often used in political campaigns to sway voters.

An attitude that always favors one way of feeling or acting over any other.

Ideas or techniques used to influence people's thinking or behavior; often used in political campaigns to sway voters.

An area of public policy which concerns laws, government programs, and administrative decisions which are directly related to all issues and activity within a nation's borders.

A country's plan for dealing with other countries of the world.

Executive department responsible for international relations of the U.S.; first executive department established.

An association formed for mutual benefit between countries

Highest-ranking officials representing a government in a foreign country

The art or skill of dealing with foreign governments

A person appointed by a country to conduct diplomacy with another country or international organization; an ambassador would be the highest-ranking.

Activities of a nation in its relationships with other nations; international relations

Issues relating to your own country

Official of the federal government heading the U.S. Department of State, principally concerned with foreign affairs

The residence or office of an ambassador in a foreign country

A formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries; approved by the Senate

Private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development.

Has the same mission as a non-governmental organization (NGO), but it is international in scope and has outposts around the world to deal with specific issues in many countries

Designed to remove tariff (tax) barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico over a fifteen year time span; most comprehensive regional trade agreement ever negotiated by the U.S.

Security alliance to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means

Organization that acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people around the world.

Organization that promotes peaceful coexistence and worldwide cooperation; currently has 192 permanent member countries.

A United Nations program that provides long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers

Judicial branch of the U.N.

International trade agreement - its main function is to ensure that trade flows as fairly, predictably and as freely as possible; 159 countries are members.

Unsuccessful military invasion of Cuba in 1961 by U.S. sponsored troops; the invasion was a major embarrassment for U.S. foreign policy.

13 day confrontation over the Soviet Union building missile bases in Cuba. The U.S. decided on a military blockade - they would not permit offensive weapons delivered to Cuba. The U.S. and Soviet Union (with the U.N.'s help) came to an agreement to avoid nuclear war.

A diplomatic crisis between Iran and the U.S. when 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days after a group of Iranian students took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea. The U.S. and 15 other members of the U.N. helped defend South Korea. In 1953, the conflict reached a stalemate; tensions still remain high between the two countries.

Controversial war to stop the spread of communism in SE Asia. The U.S. sent economic and military aid to help the non-communist southern half.

The First Persian Gulf War, Jan.-Feb., 1991, was an armed conflict between Iraq and a coalition of 39 nations including the U.S. as a result of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

The U.S. initially tried to remain neutral, but German submarines attacked U.S. merchant ships making this impossible so entered the war as an "associated power", rather than a formal ally of France and the United Kingdom, in order to avoid "foreign entanglements".

The U.S. took a neutral position until the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

a person who applies/runs or is nominated for an elected position

A group of people who come together for elections and hold power in the government. They agree on similar policies & programs.

A list of the values & actions which are supported by a political party or individual candidate

A system of politics and government. It is usually compared to the legal system, economic system, cultural system, and other social systems.

a political party organized as an alternative to the major parties in a two-party system

The Second Persian Gulf War, also known as the Iraq War, was a largely U.S.-British invasion of Iraq because the Iraqi government failed to cooperate fully with U.N. weapons inspections.

Any government whose construction and authority are defined by a constitution.

The process to have a higher court review the result of a trial court or lower court.

Court order that requires the government to bring a prisoner to court and explain why he or she is being held.

A justice system that is not influenced by either the legislative or executive branch; it's free to make decisions based upon law, not upon men or pressure from other groups which guarantees justice to all.

A previous case or legal decision that may be or must be followed in future similar cases.

Type of government in which the power to govern lies directly in the hands of the people rather than being exercised through their representatives

Type of government in which the people elect representatives to carry on the work of the government for them; the U.S. is one;

Type of government in which all power belongs to a small group of people

Economic system where working people own and control the means of production and distribution through democratically-controlled public agencies, cooperatives, or other collective groups.

The economic and political system in which the government owns the means of production and decides what will be produced

Type of government having a ruler who inherits the position, may rule for life, and holds powers varying from very limited to absolute

Type of government where one person has unlimited power; example: North Korea

Type of government in which the monarch has absolute power among his people

Type of nation in which the people elect representatives to carry on the work of the government for them like the U.S.

A system of democratic government in which the executive branch is elected and held accountable to the legislature (parliament). The executive and legislative branches are interconnected.

A system of government where power is almost entirely centralized in a national government. Power is allowed to local governments only for the sake of convenience (such as garbage collection times or issuing parking tickets).

The chief executive of a state government

The chief executive of a nation

The most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system; Example: The UK

Created by Article III in the Constitution; hears disagreements over the law; comprised of the Supreme Court, Lower Courts, and Special Courts

The nation's highest court with 9 justices appointed by a President and approved by a majority of the Senate; justices serve for life or until they resign

Formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity. At the federal level, charges must be presented in the House of Representatives and the trial is then in the Senate

Powers that Congress has exercised under the "necessary and proper" clause (also called the elastic clause); To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers..."; Example: establishing national military academies

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land; no one can violate the U.S. Constitution. Federal law supersedes state law when there is a conflict.

Bills (except appropriations) can start in either chamber; must be introduced; to committee; out of committee to be voted upon; moves to the other chamber to go through a similar process; sent to the President to sign or veto. If vetoed, Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both houses.

The U.S. Constitution gives the president the power to appoint officials like Cabinet secretaries, Supreme Court justices and ambassadors with the "advice and consent of the Senate"; the Senate holds confirmation hearings to examine candidates for presidential appointment

Orders from the President usually to his own officials; do not require approval from Congress but must find support in the Constitution, either in a clause granting the President specific power, or by a delegation of power by Congress to the President

A president's constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by Congress.

An order asking for judicial review; a minimum of 4 of the 9 Justices on the Supreme Court is required to grant a Writ of Certiorari.

Composed of the most senior-appointed officers of the executive branch of the United States; are usually the heads of the federal executive departments

Highest judicial officer; one of the Supreme Court justices (whether federal or state).

The chief spokesperson for the majority party in a legislative body

The action of forgiving an error or offense;

The second-highest-ranking official of the United States Senate since the Constitution states that the Vice President of the U.S. is the President of the Senate; Since 1890, the most senior senator in the majority party has generally been chosen to fill this position.

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives; the House elects the position on the first day of every new Congress (every other year).

Any court of law that is empowered to hear an appeal of a trial court or other lower court; commonly called an appeals court or court of appeals

*State Supreme Court

Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court

A court that is authorized to hear any type of civil or criminal case; Examples: U.S. District Courts, Circuit Courts, County Courts

The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; authority.

The document that establishes and describes the duties, powers, structure, and function of the government of Florida, and establishes the basic law of the state.

5 ways to propose a new amendment in Florida: ¾ vote in both houses of the state legislature, constitutional revision committee (meets every 20 years), taxation and budget commission (meets every 20 years), majority of voters calling a Constitutional Convention, or by voter initiative to have it placed on the ballot.

First article of the Florida Constitution; is similar to the U.S. Bill of Rights but is broader than the federal version