St Petersburg College Civic Literacy Flashcards Verified Solutions

St Petersburg College Civic Literacy Flashcards Verified Solutions Democracy Type of government where power is derived from the people, either directly or indirectly. Representative Democracy or Democratic Republic An indirect or a representative democracy where eligible voters choose representatives to act on their behalf and make political decisions. Constitutional Democracy A government that draws its legitimacy from an authoritative document (a constitution) that defines the nation's system of government, its laws and usually the rights of its citizens. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution describes who will make national laws, who will enforce them and who will interpret it. Social Contract Theory The belief that people are free and equal by natural right but will give up some freedom to give power to the government so that the government can protect their rights. Consent of the Governed The idea that our government derives its power from the people because we elect representatives to the legislative branch of government. Checks and Balances Principle reflected in the Constitution that grants each of the three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) some control and scrutiny over one another. Separation of Powers Refers to the division of government branches: each with separate independent power and responsibilities, so that the powers of one branch do not conflict with the others. Rule of law No one is above the law; Everyone must follow the laws, regardless of their position of power. This was established by the Magna Carta in 1215. Everyone is equal under the law. Due process of law Fair treatment through the normal judicial system. Equality under the Law Equal treatment and equal protection without the guarantee of equal outcomes. Popular Sovereignty A belief that ultimate power resides in the people. Natural rights Rights people have by virtue of being human beings; both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution address the government's role in protecting these rights. Federalism A political system in which power is divided between a central government and multiple constituent, provincial, or state governments. Concurrent powers Powers that are held by both the federal and the local governments (e.g. taxing, roads, elections, lower courts). Equal Protection Clause Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that forbids any state to deny to any person equal protection of the laws. This clause is the major constitutional restraint on the power of governments to discriminate against persons because of race, national origin, or sex. Article I, Section 4, of the United States Constitution Grants the states the authority to determine the rules by which they elect their United States Senators and Representatives, unless the United States Congress acts to change those rules. Article II, Section 1, of the United States Constitution Provides that the President of the United States is elected by the Electoral College. Electoral College The president is elected by a majority of electoral votes. After an election a group of electors chosen by each state officially cast the electoral votes for their state to choose the President. Voter Registration requirements in Florida Be a citizen of the United States of America, a legal resident of Florida, a legal resident of the county in which you seek to be registered, at least 16 years old