Civics and Government Terms

Due Process

• Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person.

• A method of legal punishment without trial.

• A process for expediting legal cases in court.

• A guideline for ethical behavior in legal practices.

Community Responsibility

• The duties and obligations that individuals have to their community.

• The rights and privileges of individuals in a community.

• The financial contributions required from community members.

• The social events organized by the community for entertainment.

Arraignment

• The action of arraigning someone in court.

• A legal term for a type of plea bargain.

• The process of jury selection in a trial.

• A formal statement of charges against a defendant.

Community

• A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

• A collection of unrelated individuals.

• A place where people gather for entertainment.

• A type of government organization.

Texas Railroad Commission

• A regulatory agency in Texas that oversees the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, and surface coal and uranium mining.

• A federal agency responsible for regulating interstate commerce and trade.

• A state agency that manages public transportation and infrastructure projects.

• An organization that promotes renewable energy sources and environmental protection.

Public Use

• The use of land or property for the benefit of the public.

• The exclusive use of land by private individuals.

• The use of land for commercial purposes only.

• The use of land for agricultural development.

Joint Committee

• A committee made up of members of both chambers of a bicameral legislature.

• A committee that includes only members from one chamber of the legislature.

• A committee formed to investigate specific issues without legislative power.

• A committee that consists of members from the executive branch only.

Inalienable Rights

• Rights that can be taken away or denied.

• Rights that are granted by the government.

• Rights that cannot be taken away or denied.

• Rights that are only applicable to citizens.

Moralistic Political Culture

• A political culture that prioritizes individual success over community welfare.

• A political culture that views the government as a means to better society and promote the general welfare.

• A political culture that emphasizes strict adherence to laws and regulations.

• A political culture that encourages apathy towards political participation.

Civil Rights

• The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

• The rights of citizens to own property and conduct business freely.

• The rights of citizens to bear arms and defend themselves.

• The rights of citizens to privacy and freedom from government intrusion.