One Goal Dictionary By: Taylor Heath

Goal 1 Foundations of the US Political System

Aristocracy The Higher class of people have the power and give poor people a hard time getting out of poverty.

Autocracy A single person has the power.

Bacon’s Rebellion Wanted equal representation in the government, not just the wealthy citizens.

Branches of the Government can change each other’s decision if needed.

The government must follow the rules of criminal proceedings before arresting someone.

Establishment Clause Congress can’t establish a religion

Factions Group of people who believe in the same cause or belief.

Montesquieu French Philosopher who believed that separation of powers is the best government.

Self-Incrimination Testifying against themselves in court.

Separation of Powers The three branches' power being separated.

Social Contract Theory Citizens have rights when born but are willing to give up some of those rights to maintain order.

Three Fifths Compromise Each slave would count as 3/5 th of a person when choosing congress.

Townshend Acts Taxes on imported goods like glass and tea.

Treaty of Paris Recognition of the United States as a separate and free nation by Great Britain. Ended the American Revolution

Virginia Plan Government separated into three branches; legislative, executive and judicial.

Article II Establishes the offices of President and Vice president.

Bill A proposed law

Bills of Attainder Convict people of crime without a trial.

Budget Surplus When the government spends less then it has in revenue.

ATF Enforces laws dealing with firearms and explosives.

Censure When a senator or representative is publicly reprimanded by his/her colleagues for inappropriate behavior.

Chief Executive The president has the power to appoint officials.

Constitutional Convention When 2/3 of the states call for a special meeting to consider proposing amendments to the constitution.

Deficit Spending Spending money the government doesn’t have.

Economic Leader The policies and programs the he/she implements affect the economy.

FBI Federal Governments top law enforcement agency.

Head of State The President

Judicial Review One of the most important powers of the judicial Branch.

Law A rule which society must abide by. Rules

User Fees Charges for certain services.

Alderman Member of the City Council

Board of Education Body of government established for a special district.

Cabinet Cabinet members consist of Secretary of Administration, Commerce, Correction, Crime Control and Public Safety, Cultural Resources, Environment and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, Revenue, Juvenile Justice, and Transportation.

Disposal Fees Paid to state or local government for the removal of waste.

Estate Tax Related to inheritance tax and is collected when someone dies.

Fifteenth Amendment Defines criminal proceedings.

Leandro Case All schools have the obligation to give all students a quality education.

Lottery A form of gambling that makes money for the state.

Mayor Chief executive officer and shares power with an elected city council.

Townships Smaller than cities and governed by town councils.

Activists People who engage in political activism

Apathy Not caring about free speech

Arbitration The decision of the third party is legally binding

Ballot Lists the candidates for office so the voters can choose. Bush Clinton Regan

Board of Elections Facilitates and oversees the voting process.

Campaign Strategy for winning when running for office. Vote For Me

Coalition Banding together of different groups to achieve political success.

Compromise Both sides give up something to reach an agreement.

Criminal Laws Defines the punishments for criminal offenses.

Damages Money

Democrats Liberal; favor active government.

Electors The other factor that goes into who wins a presidential election.

Fine Paying money as a form of punishment

Jury Duty Serving on a jury

Lawsuit Claim that a person,business,etc has been wronged

Mediation When a third party steps in to help settle a disagreement between two parties

Plank Individual policy within the platform Walk the plank

Volunteer Someone who takes time to help the community.

Goal 5 Dictionary

Arraignment The defendant is officially informed of the charges against him/her.

Arrest Warrant A legal document from the court saying the police can arrest you. We can arrest you

Bail Money paid by defendant in exchange for not having to remain in jail until his/her trial.

Bill Idea for a new law that is passed through either the House or Senate.

Charter Schools Public schools that are chartered by some sponsor group.

Cloture If 3/5 th of the senators present vote in favor of closing the debate then the filibuster is ended and a vote can occur.

Court Docket Schedule of court proceedings This case happens tomorrow This one happens next week

Debate Opposing sides present their position on an issue.

Torts Civil cases involving alleged injuries to one’s person, reputation, property, or business.

Voting Common way individuals voice their opinion on issues. Vote for Bush