Chapter 6 Vocabulary

Eminent Domain The power to take personal property to benefit the public

Veto To cancel a law passed by Congress

Oligarchy A gov’t in which a small group of people (small group) decide everything.

Constituents People that members of Congress represent

Ex Post Facto A law that is made effective prior to the date it was passed *punishes people for actions that were not illegal at the time they were committed (after the fact)

Direct Democracy A gov’t in which the people vote directly to make the government’s decisions/laws

Concurrent Powers shared by the states and the federal government

Domestic Tranquility Maintaining peace within the nation

Popular Sovereignty government is subject to the will of the people (We the People)

Naturalized Citizen Foreign-born person who becomes a legal citizen

Appropriate To set something aside for a particular purpose, especially funds ($$)

Reserved Powers retained by the states

Executive Order Issued by the President, have the power of law

Judicial Review The right of the Supreme Court to decide if a law violates the Constitution

Enumerated/Delegated Powers belonging only to the federal government

Impeach To bring formal charges of misconduct or serious crimes against a president or other public figure

Federalism Division or sharing of power between federal and state governments

Deport Return to country of origin

Amendment An addition to a formal document such as the Constitution

Implied Powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution

Confederation A group of states under a weak central gov’t

Due Process Idea that the government must follow procedures established by law and guaranteed by the Constitution/must be fairly applied

Citizen A person who owes loyalty to and is entitled to the protection of a state or nation

Indirect Democracy (Representative) A gov’t in which people elect representatives to make the laws for them.

Preamble The introduction to a formal document, especially the Constitution

Majority Rule The idea that the greatest number of people in society (largest group) can make policies for everyone

Draft Required military service

Autocracy a system of government by one person with absolute power. Related words: absolutism, totalitarianism, dictatorship, despotism, tyranny, absolute monarchy

Indict Formally accuse of a crime

Pardon To free from punishment (from a federal crime)

Aristocracy The wealthy or noble classes (the aristocrats-dukes, earls, lords, marquis) have all the power and make all of the laws.