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A plan or program to address the effects of past discrimination by providing minorities access in employment, education, or other activities.
Changes in, or additions to, a document (e.g. U.S. Constitution). In the United States proposed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two thirds of the state legislatures. Ratified by approval of three-fourths of the states legislatures or special conventions called in three-fourths of the states.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in all areas of an individual's life including Government services, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.
A network of national service programs that engage Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment.
The political leaders who were against ratification of the Constitution because they thought it gave too much power to the federal government and did not protect the rights of the people.
A legislative act authorizing the expenditure of a designated amount of public funds for a specific purpose.
First constitution of the United States in 1781. Created a weak national government, replaced in 1789 by the Constitution of the United States.
A form of government in which those in power hold absolute and unchangeable authority over people such as in a dictatorship.
In a criminal trial, jurors are told to find the defendant guilty if they are convinced of their guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt".
First ten amendments to the Constitution, which restrict the federal government's power to take away certain basic rights of people.
A sequence of economic activity typically characterized by recession, fiscal recovery, growth, and fiscal decline
Secretaries of the executive departments, the vice-president, and other top officials that help the president make decisions and policy and give advice.
Constitutional principle that allow one branch of the government to limit the exercise of power by another branch of government. For example, the president may veto legislation passed by Congress.
All law that does not involve criminal matters. Civil law deals with the disputes between individuals or groups of individuals.
Personal freedoms that the government cannot abridge by law, constitution, or judicial interpretation.
Protections and privileges given to all United States citizens by the Constitution and Bill of Rights regardless of race, sex, national origin, or sexual orientation.
An act of Congress designed to protect the rights of individuals to fair treatment by private persons, groups, organizations, businesses, and government.
With minor exceptions, forbids anyone to refuse to sell or rent a dwelling to any person on grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or disability.
The 13, 14th and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution designed to protect the rights and liberties of the freed/former African slaves.
A procedure in the Senate by which debate is ended and an immediate vote is taken on the matter under discussion
An economic system in which economic decisions to answer the basic economic questions of "what", "how", and "for whom" are made by an authority such as a feudal lord or government agency.
The body of unwritten law, which originated in England and was later applied in the United States. Based on judicial precedent rather than statutory laws, which are made through the legislative process.
Authority of both the state and federal courts to hear certain types of cases (i.e., civil case filed in federal court that could be filed in a state court).
A group of independent states or nations united under a weak central government that has little influence over the independent states.
A temporary joint committee called to resolve the differences when the House and Senate have passed different versions of the same bill.
John Locke's ideas that the government gets its right to govern from the people. This principle is included in the Declaration of Independence.
A political ideology generally characterized by a belief in individualism and minimal government intervention.
The fundamental underlying documents ratified in 1789, which establishes the government of the United States.
A monarch that has shared governmental powers with elected legislatures or serves mainly as ceremonial leader of a country.
A measure of the changes in the cost of selected consumer goods and services from a fixed base period.
Convention
A meeting of a group of individuals for a similar purpose. In the case of political parties, conventions are held to nominate candidates for political office.
A state or federal court, which hears, appeals from judgments and rulings of trial courts or lower appeals courts.
Law and law proceedings that deal with the investigation and trial of those accused of crimes against society.
Declaration of Independence
Written by a committee and compiled by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, it is a statement of philosophy on government, a list of colonists' grievances against the King of England and a declaration of separation.
In a civil suit, the person against whom the plaintiff brings a court action; in a criminal case, the person charged with the crime.
Representative; lawmaker who views him or herself as the agent of those who elected him or her and votes accordingly, regardless of his or her personal opinions.
Delegated Powers
Powers expressly granted to the national government by the Constitution. These powers, found in Article I, section 8, include the authority to provide for the common defense, to coin money and to regulate commerce.
The different quantities of a resource, good, or service that will be purchased at various possible prices at a given point in time.
A form of government in which political control is exercised by all people, either directly or through their elected representatives.
Using vital statistics of human populations, as size, growth, density, and distribution to make decisions or set policy, such as identifying consumers.
Limitations on the powers of national and state government. These appear in Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution prohibiting the power to grant titles of nobility, to pass bills of attainder, or to pass ex post facto laws.
Actions that treat people differently, based on factors or characteristics such as, race, religion, class, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or age.
Written explanation of the views of one or more judges who disagree with (dissent from) a decision reached by a majority of the court.
Part of the Fifth Amendment that says that no person can be put in jeopardy of life or limb twice; once a person has been tried for a crime, he or she cannot be tried again for the same crime.
The right of every citizen to be protected against arbitrary action by the government. Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that guarantees the application of the protections of the Bill of Rights to the state. Part of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment that states "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law..."
Economic penalties applied by one country or group of countries on another for economic, political, or other reasons. Economic sanctions can include embargoes, tariffs, duties, quotas, and other monetarily damaging penalties.
The study of how people, individually and in groups (families, businesses, governments, organizations) choose to use their relatively scarce productive resources to satisfy their wants.
The clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the right to make all laws, "necessary and proper" to carry out the powers expressed in the other clauses in Article I.
Representatives of each state who cast the final ballot that elects the President and Vice President. Each state has as many electors as it has members of Congress. This is done differently according to a state. Most political parties select the electors and the people vote for this slate of electors.
The Constitution provides that the date Congress sets for the electors to meet "shall be the same throughout the United States." (Article II, Section 1, Clause 4).
The power of the government to take private property for public use. The 5th Amendment restricts the government's use of power, by requiring that the government pay just compensation for the property.
The expressed powers of Congress that are itemized and numbered 1-18 in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. See expressed powers.
Programs in which Congress set eligibility requirements and those individuals that meet the criteria can receive these benefits. Social Security can be claimed by individuals when they reach the eligibility age (63, 65, or 67) that is set by Congress.
Everything in and on earth's surface and its atmosphere within which organisms, communities, or objects exist.
The idea that no individual or group may receive special privileges from nor be unjustly discriminated against by the law.
The clause in the First Amendment that states "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion,"which means the government may not establish an official religion.
An organization of European nations that establishes the legal European citizenship and sets economic and political policies of its member nations. The European Union also includes the free movement of goods, peoples, services, and capital between members, nations, and their citizens.
Evidence gained as the result of an illegal search by police cannot be used in a criminal case against the person from whom it was seized.
An agreement made by the President directly with the head of a foreign state that has the force of law but which does not require Senate approval (unlike a treaty).
A rule issued by the President or Governor that has the force of law. This rule does not require legislative approval.
The principle that members of the executive branch of government cannot legally be forced to disclose their confidential communications when such disclosure would adversely affect the operations or procedures of the executive branch.
Powers directly expressed or stated in the Constitution by the Article 1, Section 8, and Paragraph 1-18. Also known as delegated or enumerated powers.
Efforts made on behalf of fair treatment and employment rights for women, which gained significant support, however, not enough for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution.
A form of political organization in which government power is divided between a central government and state government.
Supporters of a stronger central government who advocated ratification of the Constitution. After ratification they founded a political party supporting a strong executive and Alexander Hamilton's economic policies.
A procedure used to delay voting in a legislative body by talking and controlling the floor. Only the U.S. Senate can use the filibuster tactic in Congress.
A course of action that seeks to help the economy grow, keeps prices stable, and keeps employment at a high level by affecting the level of taxes and governmental spending in the economy.
Politics of the federal government directed to matters beyond United States borders, especially relations with other countries.
Group of delegates, representing twelve of the thirteen states, who drafted the United States Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787. (Rhode Island refused to send a delegation.)
Election held to determine who will hold political office. In the U.S., general elections are held in November.
The dividing of a geographic area into an electoral district to give an unfair political advantage to a party or group.
Group that hears charges against a suspect and decides whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the person to trial.
The total dollar value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given time period.
Powers of the national government that are suggested by the "necessary and proper" clause to carry out the expressed powers listed in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. These powers are not specifically written in the Constitution.
The process of incorporating, or including, most of the guarantees in the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment Due Process Clause which states that, "No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;..."
A written, formal statement issued by a grand jury that charges the accused with one or more crimes.
Powers delegated to the national government simply because it is a government. The right, power, and procedure by which citizens can propose a law by petition and submit it to the electorate.
The right, power, and procedure by which citizens can propose a law by petition and submit it to the electorate.
This is an international organization of 184 countries established to promote monetary cooperation and exchange stability. The organization also fosters economic growth and high levels of employment and provides temporary financial assistance.
Independent organization striving to assist and protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence.
An organized body of individuals who share some goals and try to influence public policy to meet those goals.
The views that the United States should withdraw from world affairs, limit foreign aid, and avoid involvement in foreign wars.
The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the legislative and executive branches of government. The precedent for Judicial Review was established in the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison.
Headed by the Supreme Court of the United States. Designed to interpret law and manage conflicts about the law. In the United States, this is typically referred to as a dual court system as the federal and the state courts address the interpretation of law and manage conflicts about the law.
A jury of 12 persons who decide upon the facts at issue in a criminal trial. A body of individuals selected to determine a verdict using the evidence.
The full value of a property paid to the owner when property is taken by the government for public use, this is provided for in the 5th Amendment.
The price and quantity demanded of a resource, good or service are inversely related, other things being equal. As price increases, quantity demanded falls. As price decreases, quantity demands rises.
The price and quantity supplied of a resource, good, or service are directly related, other things being equal. As price decreases, quantity supplied decreases. As price increases, quantity supplied increases.
The power to make a law and to frame public policies. Legislative power is typically exercised by legislative bodies such as Congress or the General Assembly.
These people are elected at the state and national level by the people to make laws, check and balance the power of the Executive and judicial branches.
A 19th century political philosophy, which champions individual rights, civil liberties, and private property. Liberalism typically refers to a willingness to change and to respond to the current time.
The ability to enjoy all the rights granted by the United States Constitution and a particular states' constitution, as well as other rights such as the right to earn a living, the right to acquire knowledge, the right to marry, etc.
A higher law such as a constitution which declares it necessary to limit the powers of government in order to protect individual civil liberties, political and economic freedoms. In a limited government, everyone must obey the laws (rule of law).
In the Constitution, power is divided between the national government and the 50 state governments. State governments determine the authority and powers that local governments will have.
A document drawn up by English nobles in 1215 that spelled out certain rights and limited the King's power.
A principle of democracy that asserts that the greater number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies.
An economy in which decisions of what, how, and for whom are decided in markets through the interaction of buyers and sellers.
The attempt to settle a legal dispute through active participation of a third party who works to find points of agreement.
A social program that gives the states money to help those who cannot afford to pay for their medical expenses.
The rights of people who are under-represented, under-served, and generally have fewer numbers and less power than the majority ruling class of people.
The rule pronounced in Miranda v Arizona, that confessions are inadmissible in a criminal prosecution if the police do not advise the suspect in custody of certain rights before questioning.
An economy which relies on a combination of traditional decision-making, market decision-making, and command decision-making in order to answer the basic questions of what, how, and for whom.
Monetary Policy
A course of action that seeks to affect the amount of money and credit available in the economy and the cost of the credit (interest rates) in order to help the economy grow, keeps prices stable, and keeps employment at a high level. In the United States, monetary policy is the responsibility of the Federal Reserve System. Tools of monetary policy include open market operations, adjustments in reserve requirement ratios held on deposits, and influencing changes in the interest rates.
North America Free Trade Agreement. An agreement that removed trade restrictions among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico borders to increase free trade.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization was one of the regional organizations formed in the post-World War II era. It was created in 1949 and its members—the United States, Canada, most Western European nations—agreed to combine forces to treat any war against one as a war against all.
This clause grants Congress the Implied powers, which are not set out in words in the Constitution. The clause states that Congress shall have the power "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof." (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18)
Failure to use a reasonable amount of care when such failure results in injury or damage to another.
What you have to give up to get something else. If the class chooses to go to the library to work on their computer skills instead of having recess, then opportunity cost of the choice is having recess.
Negotiations between parties and/or attorneys in which the parties work out a settlement agreement without the judicial system or before a decision has been reached by court.
The official release of a person charged with a crime, at the request of a chief executive, which then excuses the individual from the consequences of an offense or crime.
A form of government that gives government the authority to a legislature or parliament, which in turn selects the executive from its own members.
A formal written application requesting government action. One may petition a court for a specific judicial action, such as an appeal or a request in a change in policy or a new policy.
A body of persons selected according to the law who decide upon the facts at issue in a court trial.
In civil law, the party who brings a suit or some other legal action against another (the defendant) in court.
The process in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser crime than the one with which the defendant was originally charged.
The indirect veto of a bill received by the President within ten days of the adjournment of Congress, effected by retaining the bill unsigned until Congress adjourns.
An organization formed to collect money and provide financial support for political candidates that will further their policy goals.
The rule by the people. Basic principle of the American system of government that asserts that the people are the source of all governmental power and that government can exist only with the consent of the governed.
A form of government in which the executive and legislative branches are separate and independent, and equal.
An election to choose a political party's candidates for an elective office. Its purpose is to narrow down the field of candidates for a particular office.
The highest-ranking member of the executive branch of a parliamentary government as in Japan and Great Britain.
A basic rule that guides, influences thought, or action. Democratic principles include such things as rule of law, popular sovereignty, majority rule, and trial by jury.
General standard of proof in civil cases. To win, the evidence of one party must be more convincing than the other side's evidence.
A sufficient reason based upon known facts to believe a crime has been committed. It is required to obtain a search warrant.
To spread a doctrine or opinion by through allegations usually from a particular political party's point of view or purposes.
Procedures used by the government in making, applying, interpreting, and enforcing the law are reasonable and consistent.
The limit on the quantity of a product that may be imported. or A limit on the number of immigrants that may enter a country. orA preferred number of spaces set aside in the work place or education institutions for minorities.
Formal approval; final consent to the effectiveness of a constitution, constitutional amendment, or treaty.
Redistribution of political representation of the basis of population changes, usually after a census.
This refers to the degree of legal certainty required for a juror to find a criminal defendant guilty. Reasonable doubt refers to failure to meet the required degree of certainty in criminal cases.
Process in which a measure passed by a legislature is submitted to the voters for final approval or rejection.
An area with one or more common characteristics of features, which give it a measure of homogeneity and make it different from surrounding areas.
Governmental jurisdictions or departments that issue laws, ordinances, and other regulations that organizations, businesses, groups, and governments must comply with.
A government in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers that exercise authority for them and that are responsible to them (voters).
Those powers that belong to the states, which the Constitution does not grant to the national government and does not, at the same time, deny to the states.
The condition that results from the imbalance between relatively unlimited economic wants and the relatively limited resources, goods, and services available to satisfy those wants.
Doctrine that laws that separate were constitutional as long as the opportunity or treatment was the same for both groups. This doctrine was established on the precedent of the Plessey v. Ferguson ruling.
The division of governmental power among several institutions such as the branches of government that must cooperate in decision-making.
In economics a market situation in which the price is set below the equilibrium price, thus causing the quantity demanded to exceed the quantity supplied.
Government policy in Maryland to address the issues of urban sprawl, urban decay, and environmental concerns such as the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
This is the theory that a nation exists due to the will of the people and that the power stays with the people, which the nation protects.
Government programs designed to help elderly, ill, and unemployed citizens as in Social Security or Medicare.
A law requiring workers and employers to pay a tax for benefits to be received in the future; the money provides a monthly stipend for retired people.
Broad social goals that relate to economics and guide government, individuals, and society in making decisions. Social economic goals will vary in priority from one country to another and from one time period to another, depending on the nature of the political, social, and economic goals of the society and the political, social, and economic conditions, which exist at the time.
An organized body of individuals who share some goals and try to influence public policy to meet those goals.
This includes, "beyond a reasonable doubt" in criminal and in civil law, "preponderance of the evidence."
A legal document that orders a person appears and/or produces documents or other requested materials for a trial.
The substance and the policies of governmental action. Courts examine whether or not a government action has violated a basic freedom or liberty.
A market situation in which the price is set above the equilibrium price causing the quantity to be demanded less.
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Expression or communication of ideas; through conduct, facial expressions, body language, such as carrying a sign or wearing an armband.
Mandatory payment to the government, imposed on individuals, groups, and businesses to enable government to provide services.
A system of government in which a single religion is recognized by the government and controls the government.
A party other than one of the two dominant parties (Democrat/Republican) in a two-party political system.
A part of the 1972 Education Act stating that no person may be denied the benefits of a federally funded educational program or activity based on his or her gender.
A system wherein economic decisions that people and groups make to answer the basic economic questions of "what"," for whom" and "how" generally repeat the decisions made at an earlier time or by an earlier generation.
Betrayal of one's country; in the Constitution, by levying war against the United States or offering comfort or aid to its enemies.
A type of government in which all the power is held in the hands of one ruler, usually a military leader.
Contrary to constitutional provision and therefore illegal, null and void, and of no constitutional or legal force or effort.
After World War II, an international organization was formed to replace the League of Nations that hoped to settle disputes between nations and prevent any future wars. Its goals have expanded today to include humanitarian efforts, social and economic development, protecting human rights.
A government in which there are no effective controls over the powers of its rulers who cannot be easily removed from office by peaceful and legal means.
Sprawl is the spreading out of a city and its suburbs over more and more rural land at the periphery of an urban area. This involves the conversion of open space (rural land) into built-up, developed land over time.
The federal law passed in 1965 to require that the states protect the rights of each citizen to vote under the 15th Amendment to the United States Constriction. The law eliminated the use of literacy tests as a voting requirement nationwide.
In 1973, Congress passed this resolution, that requires that the President consult with and seek Congressional approval for deploying U.S. troops in hostile situations. The President may deploy troops for 60 days upon which Congress can order that the troops be removed from hostile situations.
Whichever candidate receives a majority of the vote, or a plurality of the popular vote (less than 50 percent but more than any other candidate) takes all of the State's electoral votes.
One of the world's largest sources of development assistance with helping the poorest people and the poorest countries.
An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up the record in a given case for review; from the Latin, meaning, "to be more certain."
A court order to require that an individual accused of a crime to appear in court to determine whether he or she has been legally detained.