Brown v. Board of Education
Supreme Court decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
Bicameral Legislature
A two-house legislature, as seen in the US Congress.
Direct Democracy
A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives.
Amendment Process
Procedure for making changes to the Constitution.
Double Jeopardy
Being tried twice for the same crime, which is prohibited by the 5th Amendment.
Baker v. Carr
Case that established the principle of one person, one vote.
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both the state and federal governments.
Due Process
Fair treatment through the normal judicial system.
Conference Committees
Temporary bodies that are formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
Anti-Federalists
Advocates for states' rights who opposed the Constitution.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions.
Caucus
A meeting of party members to select delegates backing one or another primary candidate.
Civil Rights
Rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.
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.
Delegated Powers
Powers specifically given to the federal government by the US Constitution.
Amicus Curiae
'Friend of the court' briefs that may be sent to support the argument of one side in a case.
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments to the US Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties.
Clear and Present Danger
Doctrine adopted by the Supreme Court to determine under what circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment freedoms.
Dealignment
A decline in party loyalties that reduces long-term party commitment.
Confederal System
A form of government in which states hold power over a limited national government.
Civil Liberties
Basic individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference.
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the US, replaced by the current Constitution.
Bills of Attainder
Laws that punish a person without a jury trial.
Checks and Balances
System ensuring no single branch of government gains excessive power.