Government Vocab

A system of government where a single ruler, typically a king or queen, has absolute power and authority.

A change or addition to a legal document, especially the Constitution.

Absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual, often associated with chaos and disorder.

The act of setting aside money for a specific purpose, usually by a legislative body.

A form of government characterized by strong central authority and limited political freedoms.

A system of government where supreme power is concentrated in the hands of one person, usually a dictator.

The principle that each branch of government has the power to check, or limit, the actions of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Personal freedoms protected by law, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

Rights that guarantee individuals equal treatment under the law, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics.

An economic system where the government controls the production, distribution, and prices of goods and services.

A system of government where states or regions retain most of the power, while a weak central government has limited authority.

A system of government where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or laws.

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader, who often rules by force.

A system of government where citizens participate directly in decision-making processes.

The legal principle that ensures fair treatment and procedural safeguards for individuals involved in legal proceedings.

The positive outcome or gain resulting from an economic activity or decision.

The negative outcome or loss resulting from an economic activity or decision.

The government's power to take private property for public use, with compensation to the owner.

The part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over others.

A legal principle that prohibits evidence obtained through illegal or unconstitutional means from being admitted in court.

A directive issued by the President of the United States that has the force of law, usually used to implement or interpret existing laws.

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments.

The central banking system of the United States responsible for regulating the country's monetary policy and financial institutions.

A serious crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, or by death.

Government policies related to taxation and spending aimed at influencing economic conditions.

The part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely without government interference.

A group of citizens convened to determine whether there is enough evidence to indict a suspect and bring them to trial.

The process by which a government official, such as the President, is accused of wrongdoing and removed from office.

A formal accusation or charge of a serious crime, usually issued by a grand jury.

An organized group of individuals who share common goals and seek to influence government policies and decisions.

The power of the courts to determine whether laws and actions of the government are constitutional.

The authority of a court to hear and decide cases within a specific geographic area or subject matter.

A political system where the powers of the government are restricted by a constitution or laws.

The act of attempting to influence government officials or policies on behalf of an interest group or organization.

A principle of democracy where decisions are made by a majority of votes.

An economic system where the production and distribution of goods and services are determined by supply and demand in a competitive marketplace.

A less serious crime punishable by imprisonment for one year or less, or by fines.

An economic system that combines elements of both a market economy and government intervention.

A form of government where power is vested in a single ruler, such as a king or queen.

Government policies related to the control of the money supply, interest rates, and financial conditions to achieve economic goals.

A form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals or families.

The value of the next best alternative foregone when a decision is made.

A group of citizens selected to hear evidence and render a verdict in a trial.

An organized group of individuals with similar political goals and ideologies, seeking to gain and maintain political power.

The principle that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed.

Information or material spread to promote a particular viewpoint or agenda, often used to influence public opinion.

The formal approval of a treaty, agreement, or constitutional amendment by a legislative body or the people.

The process by which voters can remove an elected official from office before the end of their term through a special election.

A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or issue.

Government rules and standards aimed at controlling or directing certain behaviors or activities in society.

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law.

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

A political party other than the two major parties (Republican and Democratic) in the United States.

A group of candidates nominated together by a political party for elections.

An economic system based on customs, traditions, and bartering rather than monetary exchange.

A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states or international organizations.

A system of government where power is centralized in a single national government, with subordinate regional governments.

A court order requiring authorities to bring a detained person before a judge or court to determine the lawfulness of their detention.

The Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine.

The Supreme Court case that ruled against President Nixon's claim of executive privilege and ordered him to release tape recordings related to the Watergate scandal.

The Supreme Court case that established the right to counsel for indigent defendants in criminal cases.

The Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, empowering the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of the Bank of the United States and established the supremacy of federal law over state law.

The Supreme Court case that established the requirement for law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation, known as the Miranda rights.

The Supreme Court case that established the standard for searches conducted by school officials in public schools.

The Supreme Court case that held that the Second Amendment right to bear arms applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause.

The Supreme Court case that upheld students' rights to free speech in public schools, as long as it does not disrupt the educational process.

The Supreme Court case that established the principle of "one person, one vote" in legislative apportionment.

An international organization that regulates and facilitates trade between nations, aiming to ensure smooth and predictable global commerce.

A humanitarian organization that provides assistance to victims of conflict and disaster, following the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

An agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, aimed at eliminating tariffs and promoting trade and investment among the member countries.

A military alliance of North American and European countries established for collective defense against aggression.

The main deliberative body of the United Nations, where all member states have representation and discuss a wide range of international issues.

The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, responsible for settling legal disputes between states.

A UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with the authority to impose sanctions and authorize military action.

An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries for development projects aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for protecting public health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and disabilities.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for protecting consumers from unsafe products and conducting recalls when necessary.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing regulations related to air and water quality, waste management, and toxic substances.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for regulating civil aviation and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for protecting consumers and promoting competition by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for regulating the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and tobacco products.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

A federal agency in the United States responsible for regulating the securities industry, protecting investors, and maintaining fair and efficient markets.

A joint federal and state program in the United States that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

A federal health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage for people aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with certain disabilities or medical conditions.

A federal program in the United States that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible workers and their families.

A federal-state program in the United States that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

A state-regulated insurance program in the United States that provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job.

A federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and other areas.

Landmark legislation in the United States that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and ended racial segregation in public places.

Legislation in the United States that aimed to promote equality and prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics.

A federal law in the United States that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Legislation in the United States that strengthened and expanded protections against employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Landmark legislation in the United States that aimed to overcome legal barriers to voting for African Americans and other minorities, particularly in the South.

Legislation in the United States that expanded and extended provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, particularly regarding language minorities.