Civics Glossary

A

Amendment

A change or addition to the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution has been amended 27 times, with the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights.

Appellate Court

A court that reviews decisions made by lower courts. The U.S. Court of Appeals is the primary appellate court in the federal system.

Appropriations

The legislative process by which Congress authorizes the spending of federal funds.

B

Bicameral

A legislature with two chambers. The U.S. Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, which guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms to American citizens.

Bipartisanship

Cooperation between members of two political parties, especially in the context of legislation or governance. Senator Joe Lieberman was widely recognized for his bipartisan approach.

C

Cabinet

The group of senior advisors to the President, consisting of the Vice President and the heads of the 15 executive departments.

Checks and Balances

The system by which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Civil Discourse

Respectful, constructive dialogue about public issues, characterized by listening, evidence-based argument, and a commitment to understanding different perspectives.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, protected by law. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s expanded civil rights for African Americans.

Civics

The study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the structure of government, and how democratic institutions work.

Cloture

A Senate procedure to end debate and bring a bill to a vote, requiring 60 votes. Related to the filibuster.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, ratified in 1788, which establishes the structure of the federal government and guarantees fundamental rights.

D

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.

Due Process

The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system.

E

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Equal Protection

The constitutional guarantee, found in the 14th Amendment, that all persons are entitled to equal protection under the law.

Executive Branch

The branch of the U.S. federal government that enforces laws, headed by the President.

F

Federalism

The division of power between the national government and state governments, a fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic in which a senator or group of senators delays or prevents a vote by prolonging debate. Senator Lieberman was involved in several notable filibuster debates.

First Amendment

The constitutional amendment that protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Freedom of Speech

The constitutional right to express opinions and ideas without government censorship or punishment, protected by the First Amendment.

G

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party or group.

Government

The system of institutions, laws, and officials that manage a community, state, or nation.

H

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the U.S. Congress, with 435 members apportioned by state population, serving two-year terms.

I

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives charges a federal official with misconduct. The Senate then holds a trial.

Independent

A voter or elected official who does not affiliate with a major political party. Senator Lieberman ran and won as an independent in 2006.

Inquiry Arc

The C3 Framework's four-dimensional approach to social studies learning: developing questions, applying concepts, evaluating sources, and communicating conclusions.

J

Judicial Branch

The branch of the U.S. federal government that interprets laws, headed by the Supreme Court.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

L

Legislation

Laws enacted by a legislative body such as Congress.

Legislative Branch

The branch of the U.S. federal government that makes laws, consisting of Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives).

Lieberman, Joseph I.

U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1989–2013), Attorney General of Connecticut, and 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. The inspiration for the Civics 250 curriculum.

P

Partisan

Strongly supporting a particular political party or cause, often at the expense of broader principles or bipartisan cooperation.

Pluralism

The coexistence of diverse groups, values, and perspectives within a society, considered a strength of American democracy.

Primary Source

An original document, artifact, or firsthand account from the time period being studied.

R

Republic

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Rule of Law

The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law.

S

Senate

The upper chamber of the U.S. Congress, with 100 members (two per state), serving six-year terms.

Separation of Powers

The division of government authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent concentration of power.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the U.S. federal judiciary, with nine justices, whose decisions are final on matters of federal and constitutional law.

V

Veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Voting Rights

The legal right to participate in elections. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited discriminatory voting practices.

"What is needed now...is leadership of the kind that is never easy or common but which we as Americans know we can summon in times of need."