Philosopher who argued that in the state of nature, all people were equal and enjoyed certain natural rights. Said that the social contract was provisional. If a ruler failed to protect the people's life, liberty, and property, then the people had a right to overthrow that ruler and establish a new government.

Formal approval of an agreement, treaty, or constitution 

Supporters of the ratification of the U.S constitution, who favored the creation of a strong federal government that shared power with the states

The idea that the powers of a government should be split between two or more strongly independent branches to prevent any one person or group from gaining to much power

A political system in which power is exercised by elected leaders who work in the interests of the people. Also known as a republic, from the Roman Republic.

A political system in which the powers exercised by the government are restricted, usually by a written constitution

The idea that decisions approved by more than half of the people in a group or society will be accepted and observed by all of the people

The principle that the people are the ultimate source of the authority and legitimacy of a government

A legislature made up of two houses

A body of electors from each state who cast votes to elect the president and vice president

A clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to regulate trade with other nations and among the states.

The power of the president to reject a bill and send it back to Congress.

Those powers of the national government, and particularly of Congress, that are not specifically listed in the Constitution, but which the government can reasonably claim as part of its governing responsibility.

A clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, stating that it is the "Supreme Law of the Land"; this means that federal law supersedes all state and local laws.

A decision by a court that serves as an example or guide for future decisions. 

The principle that no person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and safeguards.

Those powers of the national government that are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution (in Article I, Sec. 8). 

Powers kept by the states under the U.S. Constitution. 

A clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to stretch its lawmaking powers to include laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its duties; also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause. 

A political system in which power is divided between a central and smaller regional governments. 

The power of the courts to declare laws and executive acts unconstitutional; established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A representative political system in which authority comes from the people and is exercised by elected officials. 

Powers shared by the federal and state governments under the U.S. Constitution.

The right to a Speedy Trial by jury, representation by an attorney for an accused person 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The court ruled that those subjected to in-custody interrogation be advised of their constitutional right to an attorney and their right to remain silent.

Criminal Proceedings; Due Process; Eminent Domain; Double Jeopardy; Protection from Self incrimination 

The Supreme Court can measure the limits of free speech (example: you can't yell "fire" in a movie theatre if there is no fire) (freedom of speech; civil liberties` limited in wartime) 

Supreme Court case in which the Court ruled that a defendant in a felony trial must be provided a lawyer free of charge if the defendant cannot afford one.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Protection against Unreasonable Search and Seizure 

the 2nd Amendment protects the right of individuals to possess a firearm for personal use; specifically, there is a constitutional right to keep a handgun in the home for self defense

Students in an Iowa school were suspended for wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam war. Ruled that this suspension was unconstitutional, and that public school students do not "shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse door."

Established exclusionary rule; illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court; Warren Court's judicial activism. 

 The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

A rule that provides that otherwise admissible evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial if it was the result of illegal police conduct

Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion. Congress may not favor or discriminate against a religion.

Rights not specifically listed in the Bill of Rights but given general protection under the Ninth Amendment, such as the right to privacy. 

An attempt by government to prevent the publication or broadcast of material considered harmful.

The First Amendment guarantees that citizens may freely engage in the religious activities of their choice. 

Reasonable suspicion of criminal behavior.

The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Guarantees of equal rights and equal treatment under the law, such as trial by jury and voting rights.

Basic freedoms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

 Publishing false information about someone with intent to cause harm.