MCAS Grade 8 Civics key terms

The principle that political power belongs to the people, who express it by choosing their leaders and shaping government policy through voting, elections, and public participation.

The idea that a government is legitimate only when the people it rules agree to be governed, usually by taking part in elections and accepting constitutional rules.

An agreement among people to form a society and obey a government in exchange for protection of their rights and the common good.

Basic freedoms and protections that belong to every person by birth rather than by law, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Rights that cannot be legitimately taken away or given up, a phrase used in the Declaration of Independence to describe life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The 1776 document in which the American colonies announced their separation from Britain and explained their reasons using natural rights and consent of the governed.

A formal complaint about a wrong or unfair action, such as the list of complaints against the British king in the Declaration of Independence.

The first written plan of government for the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789, which created a weak national government with a one-house Congress and no president.

A 1786 uprising of Massachusetts farmers led by Daniel Shays against debt seizures and high taxes, which showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates wrote the United States Constitution, resolving disputes over representation, slavery, and the power of the national government.

The 1787 agreement creating a two-house Congress, with representation by population in the House and equal representation for each state in the Senate.

The constitutional agreement that counted three out of every five enslaved people toward a state's population for representation and taxation purposes.

Having two separate legislative chambers, as in the United States Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

A system in which power is divided between a national government and state governments, with each level having its own responsibilities and authority.

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the national government, such as declaring war, coining money, and regulating interstate commerce.

Powers not given to the national government and not denied to the states, which the Tenth Amendment keeps for the states or the people.

The constitutional provision allowing Congress to make laws needed to carry out its listed powers, also called the elastic clause because it stretches congressional authority.

Powers that are not stated directly in the Constitution but are reasonably inferred from the powers that are listed, especially through the necessary and proper clause.

The constitutional rule that the Constitution, national laws, and treaties are the highest law of the land when they conflict with state law.

The division of government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches so that no single branch holds all power.

The system in which each branch of government can limit the actions of the other branches, helping prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress, which Congress can overcome with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

A vote by two-thirds of each house of Congress to pass a bill into law despite a president's veto.

The power of courts to decide whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution, established in the case Marbury v. Madison.

The 1803 Supreme Court case that first declared an act of Congress unconstitutional and established the principle of judicial review.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added in 1791, which protect individual freedoms such as speech, religion, and fair treatment by government.

A formal change or addition to the Constitution, proposed by Congress or a convention and ratified by the states.

The formal approval of a proposed constitution, amendment, or treaty, usually requiring votes by states or legislatures.

A series of essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay urging ratification of the Constitution and explaining how the new government would work.

Opponents of ratifying the Constitution who feared a strong national government and demanded a bill of rights to protect individual liberties.

The constitutional amendment protecting freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Expressing an idea through actions or symbols rather than words, such as wearing an armband or burning a flag, which may receive First Amendment protection.

The requirement that government follow fair and established legal procedures before taking away a person's life, liberty, or property.

The constitutional guarantee that government must treat people in similar situations alike and may not discriminate unfairly under the law.

The post-Civil War amendment granting citizenship, guaranteeing due process and equal protection, and extending Bill of Rights protections against state governments.

The constitutional amendment stating that powers not given to the national government and not denied to states are reserved to the states or the people.

The legislative branch of the national government, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which makes laws and controls federal spending.

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf rather than ruling directly themselves.