Civics Fundamentals Vocabulary (All Questions)

A government that follows a constitution to protect everyone's rights, even when the majority disagrees.

A system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies themselves, without representatives.

Legal protections ensuring that smaller groups cannot have their freedoms taken away by larger groups.

When the majority makes decisions that harm or ignore the rights of minorities, without any protections.

A system where people vote for leaders who then make laws and govern, representing the will of the people.

A form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, rather than voting directly on every issue.

Cruel and oppressive government rule where one person or group has absolute power.

The highest law of the United States that sets up our government and protects our rights.

The group of leaders who wrote the Constitution at the 1787 convention in Philadelphia.

Government officials who work for and serve the people, not the other way around.

Officially approved; the Constitution was ratified when enough states agreed to accept it.

The Constitution is the most powerful law; no other law can contradict it.

When a law or action violates the Constitution and is therefore invalid.

The formal process of making changes to the Constitution.

The specific, listed powers that the Constitution gives to Congress.

Business and trade that occurs between different states.

The idea that government can only do what the Constitution allows it to do.

The government's ability to require citizens and businesses to pay money to fund public services.

To control or manage something through rules and laws.

The idea that government is only legitimate if the people agree to be governed.

To give power or responsibility to someone else to act on your behalf.

Constitutional amendment protecting rights not specifically listed in the Constitution.

The principle that government power comes from the consent of the people.

When citizens have the power to govern themselves through elected representatives.

An unwritten agreement where people give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection.

Amendment reserving powers not given to federal government to states or people.

A formal change or addition to the Constitution.

The 1920 amendment that gave women the right to vote.

To officially approve something, like a constitutional amendment.

The amendment that abolished (ended) slavery in 1865.

75% of states must approve an amendment for it to become part of the Constitution.

More than 66% agreement needed in Congress to propose an amendment.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms.

The right to gather peacefully in groups.

The right to practice any religion or no religion at all.

The right to express opinions without government punishment.

Basic freedoms that every person should have.

A legal document signed by a judge allowing police to search or arrest.

A suggested change to the Constitution that hasn't been approved yet.

A time limit for states to approve a proposed amendment.

The most recent amendment, which delays congressional pay raises until after an election.

The 1776 document announcing America's freedom from British rule.

Personal liberties that belong to each person.

Rights that all people are born with, not given by government.

An economic policy where a country controls its colonies' trade for its own benefit.

British law that prevented colonists from settling western lands.

Being taxed by a government in which you have no voice or vote.

To officially end or eliminate something, like a government or law.

The governing body of the American colonies that declared independence.

An important original document that established the nation.

The building in Philadelphia where the Declaration was signed and Constitution written.

The period in the 1950s-60s when Americans fought to end racial discrimination.

The principle that all people should be treated the same by the legal system.

Racist laws in the South that separated Black and white people and denied equal rights.

The three fundamental rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence.

Rights that all people have from birth, not granted by government.

The belief that fundamental rights come from a higher power, not from government.

English philosopher whose ideas about natural rights influenced the Declaration.

The introduction or opening statement of a document.

Rights that cannot be taken away or given up; also spelled 'inalienable.'

An economic system based on private ownership, competition, and profit.

When multiple businesses try to attract customers, often leading to better products and prices.

The ability to make your own choices.

An economy where businesses operate with little government control.

When individuals or companies, not the government, own property and businesses.

The desire to make money that drives business decisions.

Unfairly applying different rules to different groups of people.

The idea that all people should be treated fairly by the legal system.

Protected from legal consequences or prosecution.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

A 1970s political scandal where President Nixon abused his power.

Essays opposing the Constitution, arguing it gave too much power to the federal government.

America's first constitution (1781-1789), which proved too weak to govern effectively.

Essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay supporting ratification of the Constitution.

The formal approval process for the Constitution by the states.

George Mason's document that influenced the Bill of Rights.

When government officials misuse their authority to harm citizens or gain advantage.

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.

When Congress passes a law despite a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote.

Dividing government into three branches so no one branch becomes too powerful.

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

When the Senate officially approves a presidential nomination.

The branch of government (President) that enforces laws.

Judges appointed to serve in the national court system.

The branch of government (courts) that interprets laws and the Constitution.

The branch of government (Congress) that makes laws.

When a president officially names someone for a government position.

Being responsible for your actions and decisions.

The section of the Constitution that describes presidential powers.

Getting things done quickly and effectively.

The part of government headed by the president that carries out laws.

The agencies and staff that directly support the president.

The collection of federal agencies that create and enforce regulations.

Laws that apply to the entire nation, passed by Congress.

An unofficial term for federal agencies that have become very powerful.

Rules created by government agencies that have the force of law.

A legislature with two separate chambers or houses.

A deal made by the president with another country that doesn't require Senate approval.

The lower house of Congress with 435 members based on state population.

When the House formally charges a federal official with wrongdoing.

The upper house of Congress with 100 members (2 per state).

A formal agreement between nations that requires Senate approval.

The constitutional power of Congress to officially begin a war.

When the government spends more money than it takes in.

The government's plan for spending taxpayer money.

The total amount of money the government owes.

When the government takes in more money than it spends.

When citizens vote directly for their representatives.

A period of reform in the early 1900s addressing social and political problems.

The 1913 amendment allowing direct election of senators by citizens.

Groups that try to influence government for their own benefit.

The lawmaking body of a state government.

To carefully consider and discuss before making a decision.

What most people in society think about an issue.

Running for office again after completing a term.

To protect something from harm or danger.

The length of time an elected official serves in office.

A person who lives in an elected official's district or state.

A person born approximately between 1981 and 1996.

To speak or act on behalf of other people.

How House seats are divided among states based on population.

An official count of the population taken every ten years.

A group of representatives from one state.

The 1929 law that fixed the House size at 435 members.

Being responsible to voters for your actions and decisions.

An agreement where each side gives up something to reach a solution.

A person running against the incumbent in an election.

Government spending directed to specific projects in a politician's district.

A person currently holding an elected office.

The length of time someone holds a position.

Rules restricting how long someone can serve in office.

Having a friendly, cooperative atmosphere among colleagues.

An election held outside the regular schedule to fill a vacancy.

When not all positions are up for election at the same time.

The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where the Constitution was written.

When each state has the same number of representatives regardless of size.

The Constitutional Convention agreement creating both House and Senate.

Strong loyalty to a political party, sometimes at the expense of cooperation.

When representation is based on population size.

A small group of lawmakers that focuses on specific policy areas.

A geographic area that elects one member to the House of Representatives.

A provision in a bill directing money to a specific project.

Government spending on local projects mainly to benefit politicians' reelection.

The order of who becomes president if the current one cannot serve.

The political party with more than half the seats in a legislative body.

A vote where each member's name is called and their vote recorded.

The leader of the House of Representatives, elected by House members.

The sharing of power between federal and state governments.

When officials are chosen by other elected bodies rather than directly by citizens.

A system with two legislative chambers.

An organization that raises money to support political candidates.

The concerns and needs specific to a particular state.

A legal permanent resident of the United States who is not yet a citizen.

A person who is not a citizen of the country where they live.

The process of redrawing congressional district boundaries.

An area where elections are close between parties.

Drawing district lines to give one political party an unfair advantage.

Strongly supporting one political party.

A district where one party almost always wins.

The rules and methods for conducting elections.

Having a large population.

The section of the Constitution describing presidential powers.

Serving in a position for one's entire life.

An action that becomes a model for future behavior.

Constitutional amendment limiting presidents to two terms.

Something that has never happened before.

The severe economic crisis of the 1930s with massive unemployment.

A rule restricting how many times someone can be elected to an office.

Global conflict (1939-1945) between Allied and Axis powers.

The speech a president gives when taking office.

The first letters of someone's names.

An informal name used instead of someone's formal name.

To lead or be in charge of a meeting or organization.

The deciding vote when a vote is evenly split.

The second-highest official, who becomes president if needed.

The part of the White House where the president and staff work.

Murdered for political reasons.

A serious lung infection.

To voluntarily leave a position or office.

The process of one leader replacing another.

A diplomat who represents a country in a foreign nation.

To officially name someone to a position.

The president's role as the top military leader.

To make sure laws are followed.

To bring different groups together, ending separation.

The forced separation of people by race.

When the president approves a bill passed by Congress.

The principle that elected civilians, not military officers, lead the armed forces.

Refusing to obey orders from a superior.

A permanent military force maintained during peacetime.

Lincoln's 1863 order freeing slaves in Confederate territory.

A directive from the president that has the force of law.

The right to appear before a court to challenge imprisonment.

A violent uprising against a government.

When Congress passes a bill despite a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote.

When the president kills a bill by not signing it while Congress is not in session.

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

When the Senate approves a presidential nomination.

Federal courts that review decisions from lower courts.

The trial courts of the federal system.

What someone is remembered for after leaving office.

To formally propose someone for a position.

An unfilled position or office.

The heads of executive departments who advise the president.

A major division of the executive branch, like State or Treasury.

Government bodies that operate somewhat separately from the president.

The head of the Department of Justice, the nation's top lawyer.

Meetings where military leaders discuss strategy.

The most important cabinet members: State, Treasury, Defense, Justice.

The head of an executive department.

The executive department overseeing the military.

Department created after 9/11 to protect against terrorism.

The executive department handling foreign affairs.

The use of violence and fear to achieve political goals.

The system of electors who officially elect the president.

The votes cast by electors that determine the presidential winner.

The total votes cast by citizens in an election.

A state where either party could win, making it crucial in elections.

To ask a higher court to review a lower court's decision.

Federal courts that hear appeals from district courts.

Federal trial courts where cases first begin.

The authority of a court to hear certain types of cases.

A court decision that guides future similar cases.

The highest court in the United States.

Without being influenced by personal feelings.

A disagreement that needs to be resolved.

Fair and not favoring one side over another.

A written explanation of a court's decision.

The head of the Supreme Court.

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

The 1803 case that established judicial review.

Having no legal force or effect.

Attempting to add justices to change the Court's decisions.

Law that created the federal court system.

A judge on the Supreme Court.

FDR's programs to fight the Great Depression.

A written disagreement with the majority decision.

The ruling supported by most justices in a case.

When lawyers present their case verbally to the Court.

A written record of spoken proceedings.

To find not guilty of charges.

A law school graduate who assists a judge for a year or two.

Wrongdoing involving money or corruption.

The constitutional standard for keeping a federal judgeship.

To formally charge a government official with wrongdoing.

The 1954 case declaring school segregation unconstitutional.

A political view favoring limited government and traditional values.

Free from outside control or influence.

A political view favoring more government action on social issues.

A set of beliefs or values that guide decisions.

The false doctrine that racial segregation was constitutional.

An administrative leader of an institution.

The head of the Supreme Court and federal judiciary.

To be in charge of a meeting or proceeding.

A group of museums and research centers in Washington, D.C.

To administer the oath of office.

The formal power to officially begin a war.

Business and trade between different states.

To impose and collect taxes from citizens and businesses.

An official right giving an inventor sole use of their invention.

States experimenting with different policies to find solutions.

Schools funded by government and open to all children.

The government of an individual state within the United States.

Rules about how land can be used in different areas.

When the federal government forces states to carry out federal programs.

The system where both federal and state governments have authority.

Powers kept by the states or people under the Tenth Amendment.

The chief executive of a state government.

A government where power flows from the people through elections.

A state's fundamental law, similar to the federal Constitution.

An agreement reached when each side gives up something.

The city where a state's government is located.

Amendment protecting voting rights regardless of race.

Amendment giving women the right to vote (1920).

A fee that had to be paid before voting, used to prevent poor people from voting.

The right to vote in elections.

Amendment banning poll taxes in federal elections.

Amendment lowering the voting age to 18.

Being tried twice for the same crime, which is prohibited.

A jury that is fair and unbiased.

The civic responsibility to serve on a jury when called.

A jury made up of ordinary citizens like the defendant.

The right to have a lawyer in criminal proceedings.

Constitutional amendment protecting speech, press, religion, assembly.

The right to express opinions without government punishment.

Written statements that falsely damage someone's reputation.

Spoken statements that falsely damage someone's reputation.

Actions that communicate a message, like flag burning.

Loyalty and commitment to a country or cause.

Being forced to do something against your will.

A Christian religious group that doesn't salute flags.

Official, conventional, or traditional beliefs or practices.

A declaration of loyalty to the United States and its flag.

The promise new citizens make to be loyal to the United States.

A fundamental belief or standard that guides behavior.

To cut off or end a connection.

Automatic citizenship for people born in the United States.

Citizenship gained through a parent who is a citizen.

Protection from prosecution for foreign diplomats.

Amendment granting citizenship to all persons born in the U.S.

Shared beliefs that unite Americans regardless of background.

The legal process for an immigrant to become a citizen.

Participation in community and government activities.

An election for local government positions.

Organized efforts to win an election.

To seek election to a government position.

The military branches that defend the nation.

Actions citizens should do to help their community and country.

Work done for the government or community benefit.

A tax on goods and services people buy.

A tax on money earned from work or investments.

The federal agency that collects taxes.

Amendment allowing the federal government to tax income.

The percentage of income taken as tax.

A military made up entirely of volunteers, not draftees.

The mandatory enrollment of people for military service.

Required military service chosen by lottery.

An official forgiveness for a crime.

The system for registering men for possible military draft.

A crop grown primarily to sell for profit.

A person who settles in a new territory.

Cruel treatment, especially because of religion or beliefs.

A person who gives money to help others.

The right to practice any religion without persecution.

Another term for Native Americans.

The indigenous peoples who lived in America before Europeans arrived.

Land set aside for Native American tribes by the government.

The ability to provide for one's own needs without outside help.

The right of Native American tribes to govern themselves.

The movement to end slavery.

Early 1800s conflicts against North African pirates.

The buying and selling of enslaved people.

The practice of owning other human beings as property.

The main American military force during the Revolution.

The ability to continue despite difficulties.

The war (1775-1783) in which America won independence from Britain.

The 1781 battle that ended the Revolutionary War.

1770 incident where British soldiers killed five colonists.

1773 protest where colonists dumped tea to oppose taxes.

British laws punishing Massachusetts for the Tea Party.

Colonial militia ready to fight at a minute's notice.

Law requiring colonists to house British soldiers.

Tax requiring stamps on paper documents, sparking protests.

Taxes on everyday imports that angered colonists.

Formal complaints against someone or something.

Jefferson's 1774 pamphlet arguing for colonial rights.

Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet supporting independence.

The date the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

A peaceful message colonists sent to King George before independence.

Prussian officer who trained American troops at Valley Forge.

Early battle showing Americans could fight the British.

Washington's surprise attack at Trenton on Christmas 1776.

The 1777 victory that convinced France to help America.

Winter camp where the Continental Army trained and suffered.

An official document granting rights to establish a colony.

Dutch colony that became New York City.

A short-lived Swedish colony in what is now Delaware.

The British territories that became the original United States.

The 1787 meeting where the Constitution was written.

Taxes or rules that restrict commerce between places.

A cruel ruler with absolute power.

Founding Father, first Treasury Secretary, Federalist Papers author.

Father of the Constitution, fourth President, Federalist author.

First Chief Justice, Federalist Papers author.

The pen name used by authors of the Federalist Papers.

A person who opposed the Constitution, fearing federal power.

A supporter of the Constitution and strong federal government.

Patriot leader and Anti-Federalist who opposed the Constitution.

Boston patriot who helped organize resistance to Britain.

Founding Father, inventor, diplomat, and publisher.

Glasses with two different lens strengths, invented by Franklin.

Device protecting buildings from lightning, invented by Franklin.

The head of the postal service.

A library freely available to the public.

The American army during the Revolutionary War.

Public support or approval of something.

George Washington's honorary title.

Widespread respect and admiration.

North African pirates who attacked American ships.

The 1803 purchase that doubled America's size.

Declaration author, third President, founder of UVA.

Jefferson's law separating church and state.

Andrew Jackson's victory after the War of 1812 ended.

Forcing people to serve in the military against their will.

Father of the Constitution, fourth President.

War with Britain over impressment and other issues.

First Treasury Secretary, Federalist leader.

A nation with a very strong, influential economy.

Hamilton's national bank to manage finances.

A mid-level military officer rank.

To give up territory or rights to another power.

The 1803 purchase of 828,000 square miles from France.

French emperor who sold Louisiana to fund his wars.

A region belonging to a nation but not yet a state.

War that added California and the Southwest to the U.S.

Texas as an independent nation before joining the U.S.

1898 war giving U.S. control of Puerto Rico and other territories.

War with Britain over trade and impressment.

War between North and South (1861-1865) over slavery and union.

Infamous 1857 ruling denying rights to African Americans.

States where slavery was prohibited before the Civil War.

To formally withdraw from a nation or organization.

States where slavery was legal before the Civil War.

The bloodiest single day in American history.

Where Lee surrendered, ending the Civil War.

The battle that started the Civil War in 1861.

The 1863 battle that turned the tide against the Confederacy.

Sherman's destructive campaign through Georgia.

The period of rebuilding the South after the Civil War.

Union victory that split the Confederacy in two.

Sixteenth President who preserved the Union and ended slavery.

Lincoln's famous speech honoring the Civil War dead.

Lincoln's primary goal of keeping the country together.

Slave states that remained in the Union during the Civil War.

The act of freeing someone from slavery or oppression.

Lincoln's 1863 order freeing slaves in Confederate territory.

Surgical removal of a limb.

An ordinary person who serves in the military when needed.

A serious intestinal disease that killed many soldiers.

A type of bullet used in the Civil War.

Constitutional amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.

Protection from prosecution for foreign diplomats.

Amendment granting citizenship to all born in the U.S.

Having become a citizen through the legal process.

Being bound by a nation's laws.

To take away someone's right to vote.

Amendment protecting voting rights regardless of race.

A test used to prevent Black Americans from voting.

The post-Civil War period of rebuilding and reform.

1965 law protecting voting rights for all citizens.

Document declaring 'all men and women are created equal.'

Leader of the women's suffrage movement.

Former slave who led others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Activist for abolition and women's rights.

The 1848 meeting that launched the women's rights movement.

Former slave who advocated for abolition and women's rights.

Famous advocate for women's voting rights.

The struggle for equality between men and women.

Countries fighting together, especially in world wars.

Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.

1950s conflict to stop communist expansion in Korea.

1991 war to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi invasion.

1960s-70s conflict in Southeast Asia against communism.

Global conflict (1914-1918) involving Europe and America.

Global conflict (1939-1945) against fascism.

Required military service.

British ship sunk by Germany, killing Americans.

The policy of not taking sides in a conflict.

German submarine used in World War I.

Attacking ships without warning.

A rule that only landowners could vote.

The right to vote.

A person who campaigns for voting rights.

1930s environmental disaster on the Great Plains.

Severe economic crisis of the 1930s.

A person who travels looking for work.

Shanty towns named after President Hoover.

A period of economic decline.

The state of not having a job.

When a bank cannot pay its depositors.

Government guarantee protecting bank deposits.

The central bank of the United States.

The cost of borrowing money.

A sudden, dramatic drop in stock prices.

President during the Depression and WWII.

An economic system with minimal government control.

FDR's programs to fight the Great Depression.

An economic system controlled by the government.

Nuclear weapon that ended World War II.

Germany, Italy, and Japan in World War II.

Naval victory that turned the tide in the Pacific.

June 6, 1944, Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France.

Japanese attack on Hawaii that brought U.S. into WWII.

An agreement to stop fighting.

WWII general and 34th President.

National network of highways created under Eisenhower.

French region where D-Day landings occurred.

The top military leader of Allied forces.

American operation to supply West Berlin.

Decades-long rivalry between U.S. and Soviet Union.

The division between communist and democratic Europe.

U.S. program to rebuild Europe after WWII.

Military alliance of Western democracies.

Communist superpower that opposed the U.S.

Wall dividing communist East Berlin from free West Berlin.

A system where government controls the economy and society.

The idea that nuclear war would destroy both sides.

A country's collection of nuclear weapons.

An agreement to stop fighting without a formal peace treaty.

Soviet forced labor camps.

1950s conflict between communist North and democratic South Korea.

The killing of large numbers of people.

A government that controls all aspects of life.

The belief that if one country fell to communism, others would follow.

Fighting using hit-and-run tactics.

Congressional authorization for Vietnam War.

Conflict to prevent communist takeover of South Vietnam.

Law limiting presidential power to commit troops.

Law outlawing discrimination in public places.

The struggle to end racial discrimination.

1964 campaign to register Black voters in Mississippi.

Fee used to prevent poor people from voting.

Woman who refused to give up her bus seat, sparking protests.

King's famous speech about racial equality.

Nonviolent refusal to obey unjust laws.

1963 civil rights gathering where King gave his famous speech.

Leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

Achieving change through peaceful means.

An alliance of countries working together.

The air campaign against Iraq.

1991 war to liberate Kuwait from Iraq.

Iraqi dictator who invaded Kuwait.

Chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.

The terrorist group responsible for 9/11.

To take control of a vehicle by force.

Leader of al Qaeda who planned the 9/11 attacks.

Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans.

A person who uses violence for political goals.

U.S. military action against Taliban and al Qaeda.

Incorrect or misleading information.

2003 invasion to remove Saddam Hussein.

Islamist group that controlled Afghanistan and sheltered al Qaeda.

Military campaign against terrorist groups after 9/11.

Federal agency overseeing Native American relations.

A Native American tribe officially acknowledged by the government.

Original inhabitants of a region.

A manufacturing process where products move past workers.

An economic system encouraging private business.

A new invention or improvement.

Thomas Edison's invention that revolutionized lighting.

A tiny electronic circuit that powers modern technology.

A very tall building made possible by steel frames.

Section of Constitution giving Congress power over the capital.

The federal territory where Washington is located.

A territory under direct control of the federal government.

The capital of the United States.

Immigration station where millions entered America.

Poet who wrote the famous words on the Statue's pedestal.

Where the Statue of Liberty stands.

A nickname for the Statue of Liberty.

Famous statue symbolizing freedom in New York Harbor.

Woman traditionally credited with making the first flag.

Treating something sacred disrespectfully.

Patriot group whose flag inspired the American flag.

The thirteen red and white bands on the American flag.

The process of becoming a U.S. state.

The fifty white stars representing the states on the flag.

The status of being an official state in the Union.

Fort whose defense inspired the national anthem.

Writer of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

A country's official patriotic song.

The national anthem of the United States.

War during which the national anthem was written.

Latin motto meaning 'Out of many, one.'

Identifying primarily with an ethnic group rather than as American.

A place where different cultures blend together.

Shared beliefs that unite Americans.

A blade attached to a musket for close combat.

July 4th, celebrating the Declaration of Independence.

The date America declared independence.

A long gun used during the Revolutionary War.

Holiday marking Columbus's arrival in the Americas.

A day recognized by the national government.

Holiday celebrating the end of slavery.

Holiday honoring American workers.

Holiday honoring soldiers who died in service.

Holiday honoring Washington and Lincoln.

Holiday commemorating the Pilgrims' harvest.

Holiday honoring all military veterans.

Famous military cemetery near Washington, D.C.

The original name for Memorial Day.

Holiday honoring soldiers who died serving America.

A burial ground for military members.

An agreement to stop fighting.

The original name for Veterans Day.

Memorial at Arlington honoring unidentified soldiers.

A person who has served in the military.

Holiday honoring all who have served in the military.