| A | B |
|---|
| Civil rights | Personal, natural rights guaranteed by the Constituion |
| Amendment | Change or alteration |
| Democracy | Governmental system wherein each citizen may vote directly to decide issues |
| system of checks and balances | division and allocation of the powers of government between its various branches |
| republic | governmental systems wherein citizens elect representatives to decide issues |
| sovereignty | freedom from external control |
| legal duties | obligations or standards of conduct toward other persons that are enforceable by law |
| articles of confederation | loose form of charter for common government for the 13 colonies prior to the adoption of the constitution |
| US Constitution | framing document that currently consists of 7 artciles and 27 amendments |
| due process of law | concept of fundamental fairness in compliance with reasonable and just laws |
| bill of rights | the first ten amendments to the US Constitution |
| legislative | branch of government that contains the Congress |
| judicial | branch of government that contains the Supreme Court |
| executive | branch of government that includes the President |
| 1st amendment | freedom of speech & expression |
| 2nd amendment | right to bear arms |
| 4th amendment | freedom from unreasonable search & seizure |
| 5th amendment | right to a grand jury & right to refuse to testify against yourself |
| 8th amendment | freedom from cruel & unusual punishment |
| 6th amendment | right to a speedy, public trial (due process) |
