Key Documents of American Democracy

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures

If someone is accused of a crime, the government cannot make them testify against themselves. (A guilty man can "plead the fifth.")

If someone is accused of a crime, they have the right to a speedy and public trial.

"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." For example, someone should not be sentenced to death for shoplifting.

Any rights that are not specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution are still preserved for individual states. For example, some states allow for same-sex marriage, even though the U.S. Constitution does not address marriage.

The power of the government to take private property for public use, such as for building highways. The government must pay fair market value for the property.

The principle that the national and state governments share power. For example, state governments can make laws in their own state, but they may not conflict with federal laws.

The system in which each branch of government has a certain amount of power and limits over the other branches. For example, Congress makes laws, but the President can veto them. The judicial branch can declare laws unconstitutional.

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. The Supreme Court can strike down any law that violates the U.S. Constitution.

The principle that the people give up some liberty in exchange for the protection of the government. For example, people have the right to free speech, but they cannot yell "fire" in a crowded theater.

One of the core principles of democracy. The people have the power. The people can vote for representatives to make laws.

No person (including government officials) is above the law. Everyone must follow the same rules.

The first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. They guarantee basic rights to citizens. (Freedom of speech, religion, the press, etc.)

The power of Congress to make laws.

The power of the President to enforce laws.

The power of the courts to interpret laws.

A document written by Thomas Paine, which argued for American independence. Paine's ideas influenced the Declaration of Independence.

A document written in 1620, which established a government for the Plymouth colony in America. This was early in American history.

The first part of the Constitution, which states the main purposes of the U.S. government. (To form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ...)

A document written in 1215, which limited the power of the English King. This helped to establish the idea of the "rule of law".

A document written in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, which declared that the 13 American colonies were independent of Great Britain. This document includes the phrase "all men are created equal."

A document written in 1787, which sets up the framework for the U.S. federal government. It establishes the three branches of government.

A document written in 1781, which created a weak national government for the newly formed United States. This government was ineffective and was replaced by the U.S. Constitution.

A system where power is concentrated in a single central government. For example, the UK is a unitary government.

An independent state, such as California or Florida. States have their own laws and Constitutions.

The power of the President to pardon criminals who have been convicted of a crime. It means they have the power to forgive the criminal and set them free.

The power of the President to order the military to take action. For example, the President can order troops deployed to a foreign country.

A group of people appointed by the President to advise him on various government issues. For example, the Secretary of State is a member of the Cabinet and advises the President on foreign policy.

The power of the President to veto bills before they become laws. The veto power is often used to prevent the other branches of government from enacting laws that the President dislikes.

A process where the government prosecutes a person for committing a crime. For example, the government might prosecute someone for robbery.

An agreement between two or more countries. The Senate ratifies treaties.

The power of the President to order the military to take action, such as deploying troops.

The power of Congress to make laws.

The power of the President to enforce laws.

The power of the courts to interpret laws and ensure they are constitutional.

A document written in 1781 that created a weak national government for the new United States, later replaced by the U.S. Constitution.

The process of ensuring fair treatment in judicial proceedings, protecting individuals from arbitrary actions of the government.

The principle that each branch of government has some power over the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Ensuring that all people are treated equally under the law.

The principle that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and state laws must comply with it.

The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, considered essential for a fulfilling life.

A landmark Supreme Court case that focused on recounting votes in the 2000 presidential election. The ruling ultimately decided the outcome of the election.

A 1620 agreement signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a self-governing body politic for the Plymouth colony.

A 1966 Supreme Court decision that ruled that criminal suspects must be informed of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights before interrogation.

The process by which representatives act on behalf of the people they represent. This is a fundamental principle of democracy.

Natural rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence that are inherent and cannot be taken away.

The act of engaging with the government to influence decisions or express concerns. This is a right protected by the First Amendment.

A 1962 Supreme Court case that ruled unconstitutional the practice of school-sponsored prayer in public schools, emphasizing the separation of church and state.

An 1819 Supreme Court case that established the supremacy of federal law over state law. It also upheld the implied powers of the federal government.

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

A right guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

The right to run for federal office is reserved for U.S. citizens. It is a privilege based on citizenship and participation in the political process.

A system established by the Selective Service System to potentially require citizens to serve in the military in times of national emergency.

The President of the United States is the head of the executive branch, responsible for carrying out the laws enacted by Congress.

A 1896 Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws, also known as 'separate but equal' doctrine.

A 1974 Supreme Court case that addressed executive privilege, the President's right to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

A 1973 Supreme Court case that established a constitutional right to abortion, recognizing privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment.

The opening phrase of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the unity and purpose of the newly formed nation.

A document adopted in 1781 that established a weak national government for the newly independent United States, later replaced by the U.S. Constitution.

A 1963 Supreme Court decision that guaranteed the right to legal counsel for indigent defendants in criminal cases, enforcing the Sixth Amendment.

A core theme of the Anti-Federalist Papers, focusing on the importance of individual rights and their protection in the Constitution.

The U.S. Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land, and states must comply with its provisions.

The Electoral College is the body that elects the President of the United States, and it does not simply reflect the popular vote.

The colonists fought the British during the American Revolution primarily because they opposed the British practice of taxation without representation. They argued that they should not be taxed without having elected representatives to voice their concerns.

The President of the United States is the person who signs proposed bills into law, making them official.

A 1969 Supreme Court case that affirmed the First Amendment right of students to free speech in public schools, even if the speech is unpopular or controversial.

One of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual expression and communication.

A document written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence, emphasizing the need for representative government and individual liberty.

The system of checks and balances is designed to ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

US Senators represent their respective states, meaning they advocate for the interests of the entire state, not just a particular district.

The Twenty-Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which limits the number of terms a President can serve to two elected terms.