U.S. Government Vocabulary - Ms. Godfrey

[Pages:5]12th Grade Government Vocabulary

G(1) History. The student understands major political ideas and forms of government in history. The student is expected to:

(A) explain major political ideas in history such as natural law, natural rights, divine right of kings, and social

contract theory.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Natural law

Laws of "nature" govern people-people exist in a state of nature minus govt. & formal law-laws result from moral sense

Natural rights

Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on government(life, liberty, & property/happiness)-John Locke/Jefferson

Divine right of kings

Monarchy; royalty-power is inherited based on relationship "bloodlines" / elite & class theory / concentrated power

Social contract theory

Government protects; people obey laws and pay taxes (Cicero, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Rawls) "Safety/Protection"

Popular sovereignty

Government derives its authority by the sanction of the people ? "consent of the governed" / "limited government"

Equality

"men being by nature all free, equal and independent" Locke ? Jefferson ? "all men are created equal"

Constitution

A nation's basic law(creates political institutions, divides power in govt., provides "civil" guarantees)written or unwritten

(B) identify the characteristics of classic forms of government such as absolute monarchy, authoritarianism,

classical republic, despotism, feudalism, liberal democracy, and totalitarianism.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Democracy

System of organizing government so that policy represents and responds to the public's preference "rule by the people"

Majority rule

Choosing among alternatives/choices requires that the majority's desire be respected/reflected in decisions by govt.

Unitary governments

Way of organizing a nation so that all power resides in the central govt. (Most govts. of world are unitary in nature..)

Federalism

Organizing a nation so that (2) or more levels of govt. have formal authority over the same land and people "division"

Despotism

Form of government by a single authority(individual/group) which rules with absolute power

Feudalism

All land owned by king(25%-self other given to church or leased out to barons)-sworn loyalty to king ? knights(military)

Absolute monarchy

Hereditary or elected monarch has absolute power to make decisions ? may appoint advisors ? makes decrees(laws)

G(2) History. The student understands how constitutional government, as developed in the United States, has been influenced by people, ideas, and historical documents. The student is expected to:

(A) analyze the principles and ideas that underlie the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution,

including those of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Charles de Montesquieu.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Separation of Power

Independence among branches of government so that one cannot control the actions of the other

Checks & Balances

Government's power is "balanced" among the different governmental institutions(legislative, executive, & judicial)

Republic

Form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws

Limited government

One level of government is not all powerful?restrictions placed on govt. in order to protect natural rights(Bill of Rights)

Consent of the governed

Government has only the authority given to it by the people...People must "overthrow" if government is non-responsive

Federalism

Division of power between a national and state government

John Locke

"natural rights" ? Life, liberty, & property ? governments sole purpose is to protect those natural rights

(B) analyze the contributions of the political philosophies of the Founding Fathers, including John Adams,

Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, on the development of the U.S. government.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

U.S. Constitution

Document which provides for the institutional structure of the U.S. Government & its responsibilities ? "Madison"

Federalist Papers

Series of essays(85) arguing the merits of the Constitution and the formation of a strong national government

Declaration of Independence Document stating the colonist's grievances against the British monarch and declaring independence

Alien & Sedition Acts-Adams 1798 directed against France(enemies of the state) ? led to the election of Jefferson in 1800 because of their "effects"

Alexander Hamilton

Advocated strong national govt. / First secretary of the treasury ? wanted national taxation(strong executive-judicial)

-Hamilton advised Congress on matters of public credit, national banks, & foreign/domestic investments......

James Madison

"Father of the Constitution"--helped frame and ensure the passage of the Bill of Rights / organization of the executive

(D) identify significant individuals in the field of government and politics, including Abraham Lincoln, George

Washington, and selected contemporary leaders.

Vocabulary Word

George Washington

Definition

1st President(2 term)...interested in military arts & western expansion ? 1775 elected commander in chief of Cont. Army

Abraham Lincoln

President during the civil war (Gettysburg address-1863)/ Emancipation Proclamation-1862 ? preserved the "union"

Franklin Roosevelt

Elected to 4 terms ? president who led country out of depression era with new deal tactics ? ww2 leader ? fireside chats

John F. Kennedy

Cuban missile crisis, civil rights, assassinated in 1963

Ronald Reagan

Reaganomics, cold war ?arms war to bankrupt the soviet union "successful" ? deficit spending for economic growth

Bill Clinton

"Balanced budget?"

George Bush "JR."

War on Terror/9-11/Dept. of Homeland Security/Patriot Act/Explosion of economic growth of energy sector

G(6) Economics. The student understands the roles played by local, state, and national governments in both the public and private sectors of the U.S. free enterprise system. The student is expected to:

(C) compare the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and other economic systems.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Dual federalism

"Layered cake" each level of government(national/state) operates in distinct sphere of authority

Cooperative federalism

"marble cake" ? local, state, & national entities each work together with national govt. providing much of the funding

Supply & Demand

Everything in a capitalist system functions on a supply-demand curve

Trade Deficits

Imports exceed exports; tax foreign manufacturers

Federalism

National government regulates business ? does not operate business ? supply/demand dominates ? cheap labor

G(8) Government. The student understands the American beliefs and principles reflected in the U.S. Constitution. The student is expected to:

(A) explain the importance of a written constitution.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Separation of Power

See objectives above

Checks & Balances

Limited Government

Popular Sovereignty

Oversight

(B) evaluate how the federal government serves the purposes set forth in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Natural rights

Bill of Rights ? protection against the national government ? selectively incorporated to apply the states ( Gitlow v. N.Y)

Purpose of govt.

Protect natural rights ? life, liberty, & property

Consent of the governed

Authority rests with the people ? majority rule along with protection of minority rights

Limited government

Power is divided based on the functional responsibility of each branch (Law making, enforcing, & interpreting)

Right to Revolt

When government is not responsive the people have a right to "overthrow" the govt. (done by elections)

(C) analyze how the Federalist Papers explain the principles of the American constitutional system of

government.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Separation of Power

Independence among branches of government so that one cannot control the actions of the other

Checks & Balances

Government's power is "balanced" among the different governmental institutions(legislative, executive, & judicial)

Republic

Form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws

Limited government

One level of government is not all powerful?restrictions placed on govt. in order to protect natural rights(Bill of Rights)

Consent of the governed

Government has only the authority given to it by the people...People must "overthrow" if government is non-responsive

Federalism

Division of power between a national and state government

John Locke

"natural rights" ? Life, liberty, & property ? governments sole purpose is to protect those natural rights

(D) evaluate constitutional provisions for limiting the role of government, including republicanism, checks and

balances, federalism, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Separation of Power

Independence among branches of government so that one cannot control the actions of the other

Checks & Balances

Government's power is "balanced" among the different governmental institutions(legislative, executive, & judicial)

Republic

Form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws

Limited government

One level of government is not all powerful?restrictions placed on govt. in order to protect natural rights(Bill of Rights)

Consent of the governed

Government has only the authority given to it by the people...People must "overthrow" if government is non-responsive

Federalism

Division of power between a national and state government

John Locke

"natural rights" ? Life, liberty, & property ? governments sole purpose is to protect those natural rights

(E) analyze the processes by which the U.S. Constitution can be changed and evaluate their effectiveness.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Formal amendment process The four methods that can be used to change the written language of the Constitution itself.

Living document

The Constitution has been able to withstand 200 plus years due to the set-up of how to amend it.

Bill of Rights

Ratified in 1791, these 10 amendments give citizens individual rights and civil liberties.

27 Amendments

The formal changes to the Constitution that changed in and became a part of the Constitution.

(F) analyze how the American beliefs and principles reflected in the U.S. Constitution contribute to our national

identity.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Informal procedures

Custom and practice that helps interpret the Constitution for our everyday use.

Legislation

Informal amendments to the Constitution that help spell out its brief provisions and apply it in today's world.

Pluralistic society

The US consists of many cultures and groups.

Consensus

Most Americans do agree on most fundamental issues.

Religion based

The founding fathers framed the Constitution based on their religious values and we have continued in that tradition with

the mention of God in our pledge and on our money.

G(9) Government. The student understands the structure and functions of the government created by the U.S. Constitution. The student is expected to:

(A) analyze the structure and functions of the legislative branch of government, including the bicameral structure

of Congress, the role of committees, and the procedure for enacting laws.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Virginia Plan

Called for representation to be based on population and would benefit large states.

New Jersey Plan

Called for equal representation and would benefit small states.

Connecticut Compromise

Combined the two plans and created a bicameral congress that would allow both types of states to benefit in one of the

two houses of Congress.

Bicameral

The two houses of Congress, House of Representatives and Senate

Legislative branch

Consists of Congress, in which its main function is to make the laws.

Standing committees

Permanent panels in which bills are sent based on their subject matter.

Joint committees

Composed of members of both houses to discuss matters that are relevant in both houses of Congress.

Committees

When Congress divides to manage the task of running the government and analyzing bills.

Bill

A proposed law that is presented to either the House or the Senate to be considered.

Filibuster

An attempt to "talk a bill to death" in order to prevent a vote or consideration on it in the Senate.

(B) analyze the structure and functions of the executive branch of government, including the constitutional

powers of the president, the growth of presidential power, and the role of the Cabinet and executive departments.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Executive branch

Consists of the President, Vice President and the cabinet members in which their main job is to carry out and enforce

the laws.

Chief of state

The President's role as the ceremonial head of the U.S. and of the nation.

Chief executive

Given to the President by the Constitution to deal with both domestic and foreign affairs.

Chief administrator

The President serves as the director of the Federal Government and directs the administration.

Chief diplomat

The President acts as the main architect of American foreign policy.

Commander in chief

The nation's armed forces are under direct control under the President.

Chief legislator

As the main architect of public policies, the President sets the congressional agenda.

Chief of party

The highest ranking individual of his/her political party.

Chief citizen

The President is expected to work for and represent the public interests of the people as the a "representative" of the

people.

(C) analyze the structure and functions of the judicial branch of government, including the federal court system

and types of jurisdiction.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Judicial branch

Consists of the federal court system in which its main function is to interpret the laws.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case and therefore try and decide on the case.

Original jurisdiction

The court in which a case is first heard.

Appellate jurisdiction

A court that hears a case on appeal from a lower court.

(E) explain how certain provisions of the U.S. Constitution provide for checks and balances among the three

branches of government.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

articles

The organization of the Constitution.

Judicial review

Power of the federal court system to declare actions of the federal government unconstitutional.

Veto

Power of the President to refuse to sign a bill from the Congress.

Impeachment

Power of the legislative branch to bring an accusation against the P.O.T.U.S. and federal judges.

Congressional oversight

Power of the legislative branch to review the actions of the executive branch.

Confirm/deny

Power of the legislative branch to confirm or deny presidential appointments and treaties.

Power of the purse

Power of the legislative branch to control the federal budget

G(10) Government. The student understands the concept of federalism. The student is expected to:

(A) explain why the Founding Fathers created a distinctly new form of federalism and adopted a federal system

of government instead of a unitary system.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Unitary Government

All powers held by the government at a single and central agency.

Confederate Government

A central organization that has little power over its member states. The U.S. under the Articles of Confederation is an

example.

Federalism

A division of powers between the central government and regional governments which consists of state, county and

local.

(B) categorize government powers as national, state, or shared.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Delegated powers

Powers granted to the National government by the Constitution, which include expressed, implied and inherent powers.

Expressed powers

Given to the National government and written in the Constitution, also known as "enumerated powers".

Implied powers

Not written in the Constitution, but are suggested as reasonable powers to be given to the National government. Also

known as "necessary & proper powers".

Inherent powers

Belong to the National government because it is a sovereign state and could not be held by individual states.

Reserved powers

Powers given to the State government.

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both the National and State government.

(C) analyze historical conflicts over the respective roles of national and state governments.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Civil War

The conflict of states wanting to quit the union.

Hurricane Katrina

Whose responsibility, the state of Louisiana or the Federal Government.

G(11) Government. The student understands the processes for filling public offices in the U.S. system of government. The student is expected to:

(B) analyze and evaluate the process of electing the President of the United States.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Electoral college

A body of electors which picks the President of the United States

Nomination

To appoint a candidate to run for office

Campaign

a connected series of operations designed to bring about a particular result

Political party

A group of people whose goal is to control government by winning elections.

Winner-take-all system

Occurs when a candidate wins a state's popular election and automatically wins all of that state's electors.

Primary

A intra-party election to determine that political party's candidate for office

Caucus

A group of people meeting to determine to select a presidential candidate.

G(14) Citizenship. The student understands rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The student is expected to:

(A) understand the roles of limited government and the rule of law to the protection of individual rights.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Limited government

means limited by a written Constitution adopted by the sovereign people as their basic law

Inalienable rights

Every individual has inherent rights as a human being.

Rule of law

no individual, president or private citizen, stands above law. Democratic governments exercise authority by way of law

and are themselves subject to law's constraints.

(B) analyze the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, including first amendment freedoms.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Due process

Legal judgment of peers

Symbolic speech

Nonverbal speech

Separation of church and

A phrase written in a letter by Thomas Jefferson, which means an attempt to separate religion and government.

state

Due process

Legal judgment of peers

(D) analyze the role of each branch of government in protecting the rights of individuals.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Judicial review

Power of the federal court system to declare any government action unconstitutional.

Administrative oversight

Applied by the executive branch to ensure that government agencies are operating properly.

Congressional oversight

Congress oversees the agencies and the executive branch

Judicial review

Power of the federal court system to declare any government action unconstitutional.

Administrative oversight

Applied by the executive branch to ensure that government agencies are operating properly.

Congressional oversight

Congress oversees the agencies and the executive branch

(E) explain the importance of due process rights to the protection of individual rights and to the limits on the

powers of government

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Procedural due process

Is a law clear enough?

Substantive due process 5th and 14th Amendment

If an unreasonable law is passed, due process can make the law unconstitutional. Both amendments refer to due process

Impartial (jury)

unbiased

Civil liberties

freedom from arbitrary governmental interference

Checks and balances

System which allows each branch government to amend the actions of another.

Rule of law

No person is above the Constitution or the law.

G(17) Citizenship. The student understands the importance of the expression of different points of view in a democratic society. The student is expected to:

(B) analyze the importance of free speech and press in a democratic society.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Symbolic speech

Exhibiting a symbol in the place of verbal expression

Prior restraint

Government censorship before publication

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging

the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government

for a redress of grievances.

Absolute

Completely free of government restraint

A.C.L.U.

American Civil Liberties Union

Expurgating

Removing something objectionable

Libel/ Seditious

Defamatory statement, defamatory speech

G(19) Science, technology, and society. The student understands the role the government plays in developing policies and establishing conditions that influence scientific discoveries and technological innovations. The student is expected to:

(B) analyze how U.S. government policies fostering competition and entrepreneurship have resulted in scientific

discoveries and technological innovations.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Grant

To bestow a gift of money for a specific purpose. (many different types of grants)

Treaty/treaties

A formal agreement between two countries (NAFTA)

Small Business

Independent agency of the federal government which fosters small businesses and entrepreneurship

Administration

Subsidy

A grant of money from the federal government (usually with stipulations)

(Government) contracts

A binding agreement between government and a business

Securities and Exchange

A government organization created in 1933 to increase investor confidence.

Commission



U.S. Department of State

Cabinet level organization which is responsible for foreign affairs;

G(20) Science, technology, and society. The student understands the impact of advances in science and technology on government and society. The student is expected to:

(A) analyze the potential impact on society of recent scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Satellites

A device launched into orbit around the earth

Search engine

A web device used for gathering information from the World Wide Web

Blogs

Typically updated daily which reflect the thoughts of the author

Surveillance technology

A watch kept over a person(s) using different methods of technology

Phishing

A technique of leading a person to an invalid website to obtain private information

E-commerce

Commerce which is electronically traded

G.P.S.

Global positioning system

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