Amicus Curiae

'Friend of the court' briefs that may be sent to support the argument of one side in a case.

Checks and Balances

System ensuring no single branch of government gains excessive power.

Brown v. Board of Education

Supreme Court decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Double Jeopardy

Being tried twice for the same crime, which is prohibited by the 5th Amendment.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the state and federal governments.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the US Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties.

Civil Liberties

Basic individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference.

Civil Rights

Rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Amendment Process

Procedure for making changes to the Constitution.

Due Process

Fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

Dealignment

A decline in party loyalties that reduces long-term party commitment.

Bills of Attainder

Laws that punish a person without a jury trial.

Confederal System

A form of government in which states hold power over a limited national government.

Anti-Federalists

Advocates for states' rights who opposed the Constitution.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically given to the federal government by the US Constitution.

Baker v. Carr

Case that established the principle of one person, one vote.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select delegates backing one or another primary candidate.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-house legislature, as seen in the US Congress.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the US, replaced by the current Constitution.

Conference Committees

Temporary bodies that are formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Clear and Present Danger

Doctrine adopted by the Supreme Court to determine under what circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment freedoms.

Divided Government

One party controls the presidency while the other party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Constitutional Convention

Meeting in 1787 that produced the new Constitution of the United States.