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Anthropology The study of humans, past and present, including biology and culture anthropology-intro-terms
Four fields Cultural, biological (physical), archaeological and linguistic anthropology anthropology-intro-terms
Cultural anthropology Study of human societies and cultures anthropology-intro-terms
Biological anthropology Study of human biology, evolution and primates anthropology-intro-terms
Archaeology Study of the human past through material remains anthropology-intro-terms
Linguistic anthropology Study of language in its social and cultural context anthropology-intro-terms
Culture Learned, shared beliefs, values and behaviors of a group anthropology-intro-terms
Society A group of people who share territory and culture anthropology-intro-terms
Ethnography A detailed written study of a culture, based on fieldwork anthropology-intro-terms
Fieldwork Research done by living among and observing people anthropology-intro-terms
Participant observation Learning about a group by taking part in its daily life anthropology-intro-terms
Informant A person who teaches a researcher about their culture anthropology-intro-terms
Emic perspective Understanding a culture from the insider's point of view anthropology-intro-terms
Etic perspective Describing a culture from an outsider's, more objective viewpoint anthropology-intro-terms
Ethnocentrism Judging other cultures by the standards of your own anthropology-intro-terms
Cultural relativism Understanding a culture on its own terms without judging it by outside standards anthropology-intro-terms
Enculturation The process of learning your culture anthropology-intro-terms
Acculturation Change when cultures come into contact anthropology-intro-terms
Cultural diffusion Spread of cultural traits from one society to another anthropology-intro-terms
Material culture Physical objects made by a culture anthropology-intro-terms
Nonmaterial culture Ideas, beliefs and values anthropology-intro-terms
Norm A shared expectation about behavior anthropology-intro-terms
Value A shared belief about what is good or important anthropology-intro-terms
Ritual A repeated, symbolic action anthropology-intro-terms
Rite of passage Ritual marking a change in status, like adulthood anthropology-intro-terms
Symbol Something that stands for something else anthropology-intro-terms
Kinship Relationships based on blood, marriage or adoption anthropology-intro-terms
Nuclear family Parents and their children anthropology-intro-terms
Extended family Family that includes other relatives anthropology-intro-terms
Descent How people trace family ties anthropology-intro-terms
Patrilineal descent Tracing descent through the father's line anthropology-intro-terms
Matrilineal descent Tracing descent through the mother's line anthropology-intro-terms
Marriage A socially recognized union, with different forms across cultures anthropology-intro-terms
Exogamy Marrying outside one's group anthropology-intro-terms
Endogamy Marrying within one's group anthropology-intro-terms
Band Small, mobile group of hunter-gatherers anthropology-intro-terms
Tribe Group of related bands or clans with shared culture anthropology-intro-terms
Chiefdom Society led by a chief with inherited rank anthropology-intro-terms
State Society with centralized government and social classes anthropology-intro-terms
Hunter-gatherers People who live by hunting animals and gathering plants anthropology-intro-terms
Pastoralism Livelihood based on herding animals anthropology-intro-terms
Horticulture Small-scale farming with simple tools anthropology-intro-terms
Agriculture Large-scale farming anthropology-intro-terms
Neolithic Revolution Shift to farming about 10,000 years ago anthropology-intro-terms
Reciprocity Exchange of goods and favors based on mutual obligation anthropology-intro-terms
Potlatch Feast with gift-giving practiced on the Northwest Coast anthropology-intro-terms
Kula ring Exchange system among islands near Papua New Guinea studied by Malinowski anthropology-intro-terms
Bronislaw Malinowski Anthropologist who pioneered fieldwork in the Trobriand Islands anthropology-intro-terms
Franz Boas Father of American anthropology; stressed cultural relativism anthropology-intro-terms
Margaret Mead Anthropologist who studied adolescence in Samoa anthropology-intro-terms
Ruth Benedict Anthropologist who wrote Patterns of Culture anthropology-intro-terms
Claude Levi-Strauss French anthropologist who studied myth and kinship anthropology-intro-terms
Clifford Geertz Anthropologist who described culture as webs of meaning anthropology-intro-terms
Hominin Humans and their extinct close relatives anthropology-intro-terms
Australopithecus Early bipedal hominins that lived in Africa millions of years ago anthropology-intro-terms
Lucy A 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton found in Ethiopia in 1974 anthropology-intro-terms
Homo habilis Early Homo species associated with stone tools anthropology-intro-terms
Homo erectus Early human relative that used fire and spread out of Africa anthropology-intro-terms
Neanderthals Close human relatives who lived in Europe and Asia until about 40,000 years ago anthropology-intro-terms
Homo sapiens Modern humans, who first appeared in Africa about 300,000 years ago anthropology-intro-terms
Bipedalism Walking on two legs anthropology-intro-terms
Primate Group of mammals including monkeys, apes and humans anthropology-intro-terms
Out of Africa Evidence that modern humans originated in Africa and spread worldwide anthropology-intro-terms
Paleolithic Old Stone Age anthropology-intro-terms
Artifact An object made or used by people in the past anthropology-intro-terms
Excavation Careful digging at an archaeological site anthropology-intro-terms
Stratigraphy Layers of earth that help date finds anthropology-intro-terms
Radiocarbon dating Method that measures carbon-14 to date organic remains anthropology-intro-terms
Linguistic relativity Idea that language influences thought (Sapir-Whorf) anthropology-intro-terms
Globalization Growing connections among cultures worldwide anthropology-intro-terms
What is the supreme law of the United States? The Constitution civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does the Constitution do? It sets up the government, defines its powers and protects basic rights civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What are the first three words of the Constitution? We the People civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does 'We the People' show about the government? That the government's power comes from the people civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is an amendment? A change or addition to the Constitution civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What do we call the first ten amendments? The Bill of Rights civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
How many amendments does the Constitution have? Twenty-seven (27) civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What did the Declaration of Independence do? Announced that the colonies were free from Great Britain civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Who wrote most of the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
On what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted? July 4, 1776 civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name two rights listed in the Declaration of Independence. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is freedom of religion? You may practice any religion, or none civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the economic system of the United States? A capitalist or market economy civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the rule of law? Everyone, including leaders, must obey the law, and no one is above it civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name one right guaranteed by the First Amendment. Speech, religion, assembly, press, or petitioning the government civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is freedom of the press? The right to publish news and opinions without government control civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the right to petition? The right to ask the government to fix a problem civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Who can vote in federal elections? US citizens aged 18 and older civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name one right only for US citizens. Voting in federal elections, or running for federal office civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What rights do all people living in the US have? Freedom of speech, religion, assembly and others in the Bill of Rights civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does a person promise in the Oath of Allegiance? To give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and obey the laws civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name two promises in the Oath of Allegiance. Obey the laws, serve in the military or do work of national importance if needed civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name one duty of every citizen. Obeying laws, paying taxes, or serving on a jury when called civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name one responsibility only for citizens. Serving on a jury, or voting in federal elections civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
How old must you be to vote? Eighteen civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a jury? A group of citizens who decide the facts in a trial civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What do Americans do on Election Day? Vote for leaders and on issues civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
When is Election Day for federal offices? In November civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What must men register for at age 18? Selective Service, the military draft registration system civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Why is paying taxes a duty? Taxes fund roads, schools, defense and other public services civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
When are federal income taxes due? April 15, in most years civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a political party? A group of people with similar ideas who work to elect leaders civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name the two major political parties in the US. Democratic and Republican civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a citizen? A full member of a country with rights and responsibilities civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is naturalization? The process by which a foreign-born person becomes a citizen civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does 'equal justice under law' mean? The law applies the same way to everyone civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is due process? Fair legal procedures before the government takes life, liberty or property civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the right to a speedy and public trial? A defendant is tried promptly and in the open, guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does the Fifth Amendment protect? The right not to testify against yourself and to due process civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does the Fourth Amendment protect? People from unreasonable searches and seizures civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the right to bear arms? The Second Amendment right to keep and carry weapons, subject to laws civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does the Eighth Amendment forbid? Cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is freedom of assembly? The right to gather peacefully in groups civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is freedom of speech? The right to express ideas without government punishment, with limits civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a constitutional right? A right protected by the Constitution civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a civil right? A right to equal treatment, such as voting and equal protection civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a civic duty? Something citizens should do to help the community and country civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is volunteering? Giving your time to help others without pay civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the pursuit of happiness? The freedom to seek a good life in your own way civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Why do we have a Constitution? To create a lasting government with limited power and protected rights civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Who has the final say in a democracy? The people, by voting civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What does 'limited government' mean? The government can only do what the Constitution and laws allow civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is representative democracy? People elect representatives to make laws for them civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the Pledge of Allegiance? A promise of loyalty to the flag and the republic civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is a patriot? Someone who loves and supports their country civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
What is the Preamble? The opening statement of the Constitution that states its purposes civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights
Name the three branches of the federal government. Legislative, executive and judicial civics-citizenship-government
What is the legislative branch? Congress, which makes the laws civics-citizenship-government
What is the executive branch? The president and agencies that carry out the laws civics-citizenship-government
What is the judicial branch? The courts, which interpret the laws civics-citizenship-government
What keeps one branch from becoming too powerful? Separation of powers and checks and balances civics-citizenship-government
What is a check and balance? A way for one branch to limit the power of another civics-citizenship-government
Who is in charge of the executive branch? The president civics-citizenship-government
Who makes federal laws? Congress civics-citizenship-government
What are the two parts of Congress? The Senate and the House of Representatives civics-citizenship-government
How many US senators are there? One hundred (100) civics-citizenship-government
How many senators does each state have? Two civics-citizenship-government
How long is a senator's term? Six years civics-citizenship-government
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives? Four hundred thirty-five (435) civics-citizenship-government
How long is a House member's term? Two years civics-citizenship-government
Why do some states have more House members than others? Seats are based on each state's population civics-citizenship-government
Who does a senator represent? All the people of their state civics-citizenship-government
Who does a House member represent? The people of their district civics-citizenship-government
Who leads the House of Representatives? The Speaker of the House civics-citizenship-government
Who presides over the Senate? The vice president, who votes only to break a tie civics-citizenship-government
How long is a president's term? Four years civics-citizenship-government
How many terms can a president serve? Two elected terms civics-citizenship-government
Which amendment limited presidents to two terms? The 22nd Amendment civics-citizenship-government
In what month do we vote for president? November civics-citizenship-government
What is the Electoral College? The system of electors who formally choose the president civics-citizenship-government
How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win? At least 270 civics-citizenship-government
What is the minimum age to be president? Thirty-five civics-citizenship-government
What must a president be, by birth? A natural-born citizen civics-citizenship-government
Who takes over if the president can no longer serve? The vice president civics-citizenship-government
If both president and vice president cannot serve, who is next? The Speaker of the House civics-citizenship-government
Who is the commander in chief of the military? The president civics-citizenship-government
Who signs bills into law? The president civics-citizenship-government
Who can veto a bill? The president civics-citizenship-government
Can Congress override a veto? Yes, with a two-thirds vote in both houses civics-citizenship-government
What does the cabinet do? Advises the president; its members head major departments civics-citizenship-government
Name one cabinet department. State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, Education, Labor and others civics-citizenship-government
Who nominates Supreme Court justices? The president civics-citizenship-government
Who confirms the president's nominees for the Supreme Court? The Senate civics-citizenship-government
What does the judicial branch do? Interprets laws, settles disputes and decides if laws follow the Constitution civics-citizenship-government
What is the highest court in the US? The Supreme Court civics-citizenship-government
How many justices are on the Supreme Court? Nine civics-citizenship-government
How long do federal judges serve? For life, unless they resign or are removed civics-citizenship-government
What is judicial review? The courts' power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution civics-citizenship-government
Who declares war? Congress civics-citizenship-government
Who makes treaties? The president, with Senate approval civics-citizenship-government
Who coins and prints money? The federal government civics-citizenship-government
Name one power of the federal government. Print money, declare war, create an army, make treaties, regulate trade between states civics-citizenship-government
Name one power of state governments. Run schools, issue driver's licenses, hold elections, provide police civics-citizenship-government
What is federalism? Sharing power between the national government and states civics-citizenship-government
What does the Tenth Amendment say? Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people civics-citizenship-government
Who is the head of a state's government? The governor civics-citizenship-government
What is the head of a city government often called? The mayor civics-citizenship-government
What is a county? A region within a state with its own local government civics-citizenship-government
What is a state capital? The city where a state's government meets civics-citizenship-government
What is the capital of the United States? Washington, DC civics-citizenship-government
Who gets to vote in a state election? Citizens who are registered and old enough, with state rules civics-citizenship-government
What is a census? A count of the population taken every ten years civics-citizenship-government
What is the purpose of the census? To divide House seats and plan public services civics-citizenship-government
What is a bill? A proposed law civics-citizenship-government
What is a law? A rule made by the government and enforced by courts civics-citizenship-government
What is a tax? Money collected by the government for public services civics-citizenship-government
What does the Senate do with treaties? Approves them by a two-thirds vote civics-citizenship-government
Who can impeach a federal official? The House brings charges; the Senate holds the trial civics-citizenship-government
What is an appeal? Asking a higher court to review a decision civics-citizenship-government
What does the vice president do? Takes over if the president cannot serve, and presides over the Senate civics-citizenship-government
What is the Library of Congress? The nation's largest library, in Washington, DC civics-citizenship-government
What is the Capitol? The building where Congress meets civics-citizenship-government
What is the White House? Home and office of the president civics-citizenship-government
What is the Pentagon? Headquarters of the Department of Defense civics-citizenship-government
Who lived in America before Europeans arrived? Native American peoples civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one reason colonists came to America. Freedom, religious freedom, economic opportunity, or to escape persecution civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who was brought to America by force from Africa? Enslaved Africans civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who fought for American independence from Britain? Colonists, called Patriots, led by the Continental Army civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Why did colonists fight the British? High taxes without representation, and no say in laws civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence? To tell the world why the colonies were separating from Britain civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who was the first president? George Washington civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who commanded the Continental Army? George Washington civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What did Benjamin Franklin invent or do? Invented bifocals and the lightning rod, was a diplomat, and helped write founding documents civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who is called the Father of Our Country? George Washington civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What was the Constitutional Convention? The 1787 meeting where the Constitution was written civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Why were the Federalist Papers written? To persuade states to ratify the Constitution civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one author of the Federalist Papers. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison or John Jay civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What territory did the US buy from France in 1803? The Louisiana Territory civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one war fought by the US in the 1800s. War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, or Spanish-American War civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name the war between the North and the South. The Civil War civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one problem that led to the Civil War. Slavery, economic differences, or states' rights civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What was one important thing Abraham Lincoln did? Freed enslaved people (Emancipation Proclamation), saved the Union, or led during the Civil War civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? Declared freedom for enslaved people in rebelling states civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What did Susan B. Anthony do? Fought for women's rights and the right to vote civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one war fought by the US in the 1900s. World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War or Gulf War civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who was president during World War I? Woodrow Wilson civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who was president during the Great Depression and World War II? Franklin Roosevelt civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who did the US fight in World War II? Japan, Germany and Italy civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Before he was president, Eisenhower was a general. In which war? World War II civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What was the main concern of the US during the Cold War? The spread of communism civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What movement did Martin Luther King Jr. lead? The civil rights movement civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What did Martin Luther King Jr. do? Fought for civil rights and equality for all Americans using nonviolence civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What major event happened on September 11, 2001? Terrorists attacked the United States civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one American Indian tribe in the US. Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Apache, Iroquois, Pueblo and many others civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one of the two longest rivers in the US. The Missouri River or the Mississippi River civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What ocean is on the West Coast? The Pacific Ocean civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What ocean is on the East Coast? The Atlantic Ocean civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one US territory. Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Northern Mariana Islands civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one state that borders Canada. Maine, New York, Montana, Washington, Alaska and others civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name one state that borders Mexico. California, Arizona, New Mexico or Texas civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is the capital of the US? Washington, DC civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Where is the Statue of Liberty? New York Harbor, near Liberty Island civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Why does the flag have 13 stripes? They stand for the original 13 colonies civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Why does the flag have 50 stars? One for each state civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is the name of the national anthem? The Star-Spangled Banner civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who wrote the words to the national anthem? Francis Scott Key civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
When do we celebrate Independence Day? July 4 civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Name two national US holidays. New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is Memorial Day? A holiday honoring those who died serving in the military, on the last Monday in May civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is Veterans Day? A holiday honoring all who served in the military, on November 11 civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is Labor Day? A holiday honoring workers, on the first Monday in September civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is Thanksgiving? A holiday in late November to give thanks, on the fourth Thursday civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is Juneteenth? A holiday on June 19 marking the end of slavery civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What are the colors of the US flag? Red, white and blue civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is the nickname of the US flag? The Stars and Stripes civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is the bald eagle? The national bird of the United States civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is E Pluribus Unum? Latin for 'Out of many, one,' a national motto civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is the Liberty Bell? A bell in Philadelphia, a symbol of freedom civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
How many states are in the US? Fifty civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Which cities served as the nation's capital before Washington, DC? New York City and Philadelphia civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Which state is the largest by area? Alaska civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Which state is the smallest by area? Rhode Island civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Which state has the most people? California civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Which was the last state to join? Hawaii, in 1959 civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who were the Pilgrims? English settlers who founded Plymouth in 1620 civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What was the Underground Railroad? A secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Who led people on the Underground Railroad? Harriet Tubman is the best known civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What was the Great Depression? A severe economic downturn in the 1930s civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What happened at Pearl Harbor? Japan attacked the US naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941 civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
What is the Fourth of July also called? Independence Day civics-citizenship-history-and-symbols
Government The people and system that make and enforce laws for a community or nation civics-vocabulary
Citizen A legal member of a country civics-vocabulary
Citizenship Being a member of a country with rights and duties civics-vocabulary
Democracy Government by the people, usually through voting civics-vocabulary
Republic A government with elected representatives and a constitution civics-vocabulary
Monarchy Rule by a king or queen civics-vocabulary
Dictatorship Rule by one person with total power civics-vocabulary
Constitution The basic plan and laws of a government civics-vocabulary
Law A rule made by the government that everyone must follow civics-vocabulary
Right Something you are free to do or have civics-vocabulary
Responsibility Something you should do civics-vocabulary
Duty A task you are required to do civics-vocabulary
Liberty Freedom civics-vocabulary
Justice Fair treatment under the law civics-vocabulary
Equality Being treated the same under the law civics-vocabulary
Authority The power to make decisions and be obeyed civics-vocabulary
Power The ability to make things happen civics-vocabulary
Rule of law Everyone follows the same laws, including leaders civics-vocabulary
Legislature A group that makes laws civics-vocabulary
Executive The part of government that carries out laws civics-vocabulary
Judiciary The courts civics-vocabulary
Federal National, as opposed to state or local civics-vocabulary
State One of the 50 divisions of the US with its own government civics-vocabulary
Local government City, town or county government civics-vocabulary
Mayor Head of a city government civics-vocabulary
Governor Head of a state government civics-vocabulary
Council A group of officials who make local laws civics-vocabulary
Representative A person elected to speak and act for others civics-vocabulary
Senator A member of the Senate civics-vocabulary
Ambassador Official sent to represent a country abroad civics-vocabulary
Candidate Person running for office civics-vocabulary
Campaign Efforts to win an election civics-vocabulary
Election A vote to choose leaders or decide an issue civics-vocabulary
Ballot The paper or screen used to cast a vote civics-vocabulary
Vote A choice made in an election civics-vocabulary
Voter registration Signing up to vote civics-vocabulary
Polling place Where people go to vote civics-vocabulary
Primary election A vote to choose a party's candidate civics-vocabulary
General election A vote to choose among candidates from different parties civics-vocabulary
Majority More than half civics-vocabulary
Minority Less than half; also a smaller group civics-vocabulary
Referendum A direct vote by citizens on a law or issue civics-vocabulary
Initiative A way for citizens to propose a law by gathering signatures civics-vocabulary
Political party A group that organizes to win elections and shape government civics-vocabulary
Platform A party's list of goals and positions civics-vocabulary
Interest group A group that tries to influence government decisions civics-vocabulary
Lobbying Trying to influence lawmakers civics-vocabulary
Media News sources that inform the public civics-vocabulary
Public opinion What most people think about issues civics-vocabulary
Poll A survey of people's opinions civics-vocabulary
Petition A written request signed by many people civics-vocabulary
Protest A public demonstration of disagreement civics-vocabulary
Boycott Refusing to buy something as a protest civics-vocabulary
Civil rights Rights to equal treatment under the law civics-vocabulary
Civil liberties Basic freedoms protected from government action civics-vocabulary
Discrimination Unfair treatment because of identity civics-vocabulary
Segregation Forced separation of groups civics-vocabulary
Suffrage The right to vote civics-vocabulary
Amendment A change to a constitution civics-vocabulary
Ratify To approve formally civics-vocabulary
Veto To reject a bill civics-vocabulary
Impeach To charge an official with wrongdoing civics-vocabulary
Override To pass a bill despite a veto civics-vocabulary
Treaty An agreement between nations civics-vocabulary
Diplomacy Handling relations between countries peacefully civics-vocabulary
Sovereignty A nation's right to govern itself civics-vocabulary
Immigrant Person who moves to a new country to live civics-vocabulary
Naturalization Process of becoming a citizen civics-vocabulary
Tax Money paid to the government civics-vocabulary
Budget A plan for earning and spending money civics-vocabulary
Public service Work done for the community civics-vocabulary
Volunteer Person who works without pay to help others civics-vocabulary
Jury Citizens who decide a verdict civics-vocabulary
Verdict Decision of a jury or judge civics-vocabulary
Defendant Person accused in court civics-vocabulary
Plaintiff Person who brings a lawsuit civics-vocabulary
Prosecutor Lawyer who brings charges for the government civics-vocabulary
Judge Official who runs a court civics-vocabulary
Testify To give evidence in court civics-vocabulary
Common good What benefits everyone in a community civics-vocabulary
Compromise Each side gives up something to agree civics-vocabulary
Consensus General agreement civics-vocabulary
Civic engagement Taking part in community and public life civics-vocabulary
Bipartisan Involving two political parties civics-vocabulary
Constituent A voter represented by an official civics-vocabulary
Term The length of time an official serves civics-vocabulary
Incumbent Person currently holding an office civics-vocabulary
Firefighter Puts out fires and rescues people (Wears a helmet and rides a fire truck) community-helpers
Police officer Keeps people safe and helps follow the rules (Call 911 in an emergency) community-helpers
Doctor Helps people who are sick or hurt feel better community-helpers
Nurse Cares for patients and helps doctors community-helpers
Dentist Takes care of our teeth (Brush twice a day) community-helpers
Teacher Helps students learn community-helpers
Librarian Helps people find books and information community-helpers
Mail carrier Delivers letters and packages community-helpers
Bus driver Drives people safely to places like school community-helpers
Farmer Grows food like fruits, vegetables and grains community-helpers
Baker Makes bread, cakes and cookies community-helpers
Grocery store worker Sells food and helps shoppers community-helpers
Chef Cooks food in a restaurant community-helpers
Server Brings food to customers in a restaurant community-helpers
Garbage collector Takes away trash and keeps the town clean community-helpers
Recycling worker Sorts materials so they can be used again community-helpers
Construction worker Builds houses, roads and bridges community-helpers
Carpenter Builds with wood community-helpers
Plumber Fixes pipes and water problems community-helpers
Electrician Installs and fixes wires and lights community-helpers
Mechanic Fixes cars and other machines community-helpers
Veterinarian Doctor for animals community-helpers
Pharmacist Prepares medicine from a doctor's order community-helpers
Paramedic Gives emergency care and rides in an ambulance community-helpers
Crossing guard Helps children cross the street safely community-helpers
Pilot Flies airplanes community-helpers
Flight attendant Helps passengers on a plane community-helpers
Train conductor Takes tickets and helps run a train community-helpers
Taxi driver Drives people where they want to go community-helpers
Scientist Learns about the world by testing ideas community-helpers
Engineer Designs things like bridges, machines and apps community-helpers
Architect Designs buildings community-helpers
Artist Makes paintings, drawings and sculptures community-helpers
Musician Plays or sings music community-helpers
Writer Writes stories, news or books community-helpers
Journalist Finds and shares news community-helpers
Judge Leads a court and makes sure the law is followed community-helpers
Lawyer Helps people with legal problems community-helpers
Mayor Leader of a town or city community-helpers
Soldier Member of the military who protects the country community-helpers
Lifeguard Watches swimmers and keeps them safe community-helpers
Barber or hair stylist Cuts and styles hair community-helpers
Photographer Takes pictures community-helpers
Dentist hygienist Cleans teeth community-helpers
Optometrist Checks eyes and helps people see well community-helpers
Park ranger Takes care of parks and teaches visitors community-helpers
Zookeeper Cares for animals in a zoo community-helpers
Florist Arranges and sells flowers community-helpers
Tailor Sews and fixes clothes community-helpers
Shoemaker Makes and repairs shoes community-helpers
Coach Teaches and trains a sports team community-helpers
Therapist Helps people feel better in body or mind community-helpers
Custodian Cleans and takes care of a building like a school community-helpers
School principal Leader of a school community-helpers
School counselor Helps students with feelings and school choices community-helpers
Cashier Takes payment at a store community-helpers
Delivery driver Brings packages and food to homes community-helpers
Truck driver Moves goods from place to place community-helpers
Window washer Cleans windows on tall buildings community-helpers
Gardener Takes care of plants and lawns community-helpers
Locksmith Makes keys and fixes locks community-helpers
Painter Paints walls, houses or pictures community-helpers
Utility worker Keeps electricity, gas and water running community-helpers
Lineworker Fixes power lines community-helpers
Why community helpers matter They do jobs that keep our community safe, clean and healthy community-helpers
Emergency number Dial 911 community-helpers
Tools of a firefighter Hose, ladder, helmet and fire truck community-helpers
Tools of a doctor Stethoscope and thermometer community-helpers
Tools of a teacher Books, markers and a whiteboard community-helpers
Tools of a mail carrier Mailbag and truck community-helpers
Tools of a builder Hammer, saw and hard hat community-helpers
Culture The shared way of life of a group: language, food, clothing, beliefs, art and customs cultures-and-customs
Custom A way of acting that a group has followed for a long time cultures-and-customs
Tradition A custom passed from one generation to the next cultures-and-customs
Heritage Traditions and history inherited from the past cultures-and-customs
Ethnic group People who share a common culture, language or ancestry cultures-and-customs
Language A system of words used to communicate cultures-and-customs
Dialect A regional or social form of a language cultures-and-customs
Bilingual Able to speak two languages cultures-and-customs
Cuisine A style of cooking cultures-and-customs
Folktale A traditional story passed down by telling cultures-and-customs
Folk music Traditional music of a people cultures-and-customs
Folk dance Traditional dance of a region cultures-and-customs
Festival A celebration with special events cultures-and-customs
Ceremony A formal event marking something important cultures-and-customs
Rite of passage A ritual that marks moving to a new stage of life cultures-and-customs
Namaste A greeting in India, with hands pressed together cultures-and-customs
Bowing A common greeting in Japan and Korea cultures-and-customs
Handshake A common greeting in many Western countries cultures-and-customs
Kiss on the cheek A common greeting among friends in many European and Latin American countries cultures-and-customs
Hongi A traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses cultures-and-customs
Salaam Arabic greeting meaning peace cultures-and-customs
Sushi Japanese dish of rice with fish or vegetables cultures-and-customs
Pasta Italian staple made from wheat dough cultures-and-customs
Tortilla Flatbread of corn or wheat used in Mexican food cultures-and-customs
Injera Spongy flatbread of Ethiopia and Eritrea cultures-and-customs
Curry Spiced dish common in South Asia cultures-and-customs
Dim sum Small Chinese dishes served with tea cultures-and-customs
Baguette Long French bread cultures-and-customs
Paella Spanish rice dish cultures-and-customs
Kimchi Korean fermented cabbage dish cultures-and-customs
Tagine North African stew cooked in a clay pot cultures-and-customs
Pho Vietnamese noodle soup cultures-and-customs
Falafel Fried chickpea balls from the Middle East cultures-and-customs
Jollof rice West African rice dish cultures-and-customs
Kimono Traditional Japanese robe cultures-and-customs
Sari Long cloth draped as a dress in India and South Asia cultures-and-customs
Kilt Traditional Scottish knee-length garment cultures-and-customs
Poncho Cloth garment worn in the Andes and Latin America cultures-and-customs
Dashiki Colorful West African shirt cultures-and-customs
Hanbok Traditional Korean clothing cultures-and-customs
Sombrero Wide-brimmed Mexican hat cultures-and-customs
Turban Wrapped headcloth worn in several cultures cultures-and-customs
Hijab Head covering worn by some Muslim women cultures-and-customs
Kippah (yarmulke) Skullcap worn by many Jewish men cultures-and-customs
Totem pole Carved pole from Native peoples of the Northwest coast cultures-and-customs
Mask Face covering used in ceremonies in many cultures cultures-and-customs
Didgeridoo Wind instrument of Aboriginal Australians cultures-and-customs
Sitar Stringed instrument of India cultures-and-customs
Bagpipes Wind instrument associated with Scotland cultures-and-customs
Samba Lively music and dance style from Brazil cultures-and-customs
Flamenco Spanish music and dance with guitars and clapping cultures-and-customs
Kabuki Japanese theater with elaborate costumes cultures-and-customs
Taiko drums Large Japanese drums cultures-and-customs
Steel drum Instrument from Trinidad and Tobago cultures-and-customs
Origami Japanese art of paper folding cultures-and-customs
Calligraphy Art of beautiful writing, important in East Asia and the Middle East cultures-and-customs
Batik Cloth dyed with wax patterns, from Indonesia cultures-and-customs
Mosaic Pictures made from small pieces of tile or glass cultures-and-customs
Henna Plant dye used for body art in South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa cultures-and-customs
Tea ceremony Formal serving of tea in Japan cultures-and-customs
Chopsticks Eating tools used in East Asia cultures-and-customs
Eating with hands Common in many places, such as India and Ethiopia; use the right hand cultures-and-customs
Removing shoes Common in homes in Japan, Korea and many other countries cultures-and-customs
Siesta Midday rest in Spain and Latin America cultures-and-customs
Fika Swedish coffee break with a pastry cultures-and-customs
Hospitality Welcoming guests; very important in many cultures cultures-and-customs
Elders Older people, often respected for wisdom cultures-and-customs
Extended family Family including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins cultures-and-customs
Cultural diffusion Spread of customs, ideas or goods from one culture to another cultures-and-customs
Assimilation Adopting the culture of a new place cultures-and-customs
Multicultural Having many cultures present cultures-and-customs
Stereotype An oversimplified belief about a group; it is often wrong cultures-and-customs
Respect for differences Learning about other cultures helps us understand and appreciate each other cultures-and-customs
Cultural landmark A place of cultural importance, like the Taj Mahal cultures-and-customs
Microeconomics The study of individual consumers, firms and markets economics-concepts-high-school
Macroeconomics The study of the whole economy: growth, inflation and jobs economics-concepts-high-school
Marginal analysis Weighing the added benefit and added cost of one more unit economics-concepts-high-school
Marginal cost The extra cost of producing one more unit economics-concepts-high-school
Marginal benefit The extra satisfaction from one more unit economics-concepts-high-school
Diminishing returns Adding more of one input eventually adds less output economics-concepts-high-school
Economies of scale Average costs fall as output grows economics-concepts-high-school
Price elasticity of demand How much quantity demanded changes when price changes economics-concepts-high-school
Elastic demand Buyers respond strongly to price changes economics-concepts-high-school
Inelastic demand Buyers respond little to price changes, like necessities economics-concepts-high-school
Substitute goods Goods that can replace each other, like butter and margarine economics-concepts-high-school
Complementary goods Goods used together, like printers and ink economics-concepts-high-school
Normal good A good you buy more of when income rises economics-concepts-high-school
Inferior good A good you buy less of when income rises economics-concepts-high-school
Determinants of demand Income, tastes, prices of related goods, expectations and number of buyers economics-concepts-high-school
Determinants of supply Input costs, technology, taxes and number of sellers economics-concepts-high-school
Price ceiling A legal maximum price economics-concepts-high-school
Price floor A legal minimum price, like a minimum wage economics-concepts-high-school
Deadweight loss Lost value when a market does not trade at the efficient level economics-concepts-high-school
Consumer surplus The difference between what buyers would pay and what they do pay economics-concepts-high-school
Producer surplus The difference between the price received and the lowest price a seller would accept economics-concepts-high-school
Perfect competition Many sellers, identical products and no control over price economics-concepts-high-school
Oligopoly A market with a few large firms economics-concepts-high-school
Monopolistic competition Many firms with differentiated products economics-concepts-high-school
Natural monopoly An industry where one firm can serve the market at the lowest cost economics-concepts-high-school
Antitrust law Laws that promote competition and limit monopolies economics-concepts-high-school
Public good Non-excludable and non-rival, like national defense economics-concepts-high-school
Free rider A person who benefits from a good without paying for it economics-concepts-high-school
Externality A cost or benefit that affects people who are not part of a transaction economics-concepts-high-school
Gross domestic product Total market value of goods and services produced in a country in a year economics-concepts-high-school
Real GDP GDP adjusted for inflation economics-concepts-high-school
Economic growth Increase in real GDP over time economics-concepts-high-school
Business cycle Recurring phases of expansion, peak, contraction and trough economics-concepts-high-school
Recession A significant decline in economic activity economics-concepts-high-school
Unemployment rate Percent of the labor force without a job but looking for one economics-concepts-high-school
Frictional unemployment Short-term joblessness while changing jobs economics-concepts-high-school
Structural unemployment Job loss because skills do not match available jobs economics-concepts-high-school
Cyclical unemployment Job loss caused by an economic downturn economics-concepts-high-school
Inflation A general rise in the price level economics-concepts-high-school
Consumer Price Index A measure of the average change in prices consumers pay economics-concepts-high-school
Fiscal policy Government spending and taxation to influence the economy economics-concepts-high-school
Monetary policy Central bank actions that influence interest rates and money supply economics-concepts-high-school
Federal Reserve The US central bank, created in 1913 economics-concepts-high-school
Federal funds rate The interest rate banks charge each other overnight, a key policy tool economics-concepts-high-school
Stimulus Government action to boost the economy economics-concepts-high-school
Budget deficit When spending exceeds revenue in a year economics-concepts-high-school
National debt The total of past deficits the government owes economics-concepts-high-school
Progressive tax Higher earners pay a higher percentage economics-concepts-high-school
Regressive tax Lower earners pay a larger share of income economics-concepts-high-school
Aggregate demand Total demand for all goods and services in an economy economics-concepts-high-school
Aggregate supply Total goods and services producers will supply economics-concepts-high-school
Multiplier effect An initial spending change leads to larger changes in income economics-concepts-high-school
Comparative advantage Producing something at a lower opportunity cost than others economics-concepts-high-school
Absolute advantage Producing more of something with the same resources economics-concepts-high-school
Trade deficit Imports exceed exports economics-concepts-high-school
Exchange rate The price of one currency in terms of another economics-concepts-high-school
World Trade Organization International body that sets rules for trade economics-concepts-high-school
Gold standard Money tied to a fixed amount of gold economics-concepts-high-school
Adam Smith Author of The Wealth of Nations (1776), who described the 'invisible hand' of markets economics-concepts-high-school
Invisible hand Smith's idea that self-interested trading can benefit society economics-concepts-high-school
John Maynard Keynes Economist who argued governments should spend to fight depressions economics-concepts-high-school
Milton Friedman Economist who stressed the money supply and free markets economics-concepts-high-school
Karl Marx Writer who criticized capitalism and wrote Das Kapital economics-concepts-high-school
Human capital Skills and knowledge workers have economics-concepts-high-school
Labor force People working or looking for work economics-concepts-high-school
Minimum wage Lowest hourly pay allowed by law economics-concepts-high-school
Labor union Workers' group that bargains for pay and conditions economics-concepts-high-school
Productivity growth Rising output per worker, which raises living standards economics-concepts-high-school
Gig economy Short-term, flexible work done through apps and platforms economics-concepts-high-school
Supply chain The steps that move a product from raw materials to customers economics-concepts-high-school
Economics The study of how people make choices about limited resources economics-vocabulary
Scarcity Not having enough resources to meet everyone's wants economics-vocabulary
Resources Land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship used to make goods and services economics-vocabulary
Natural resources Materials from nature, like water, oil and soil economics-vocabulary
Labor Human work, both physical and mental economics-vocabulary
Capital Tools, machines and buildings used to make goods economics-vocabulary
Entrepreneur A person who starts a business and takes risks economics-vocabulary
Needs Things required to live, like food and shelter economics-vocabulary
Wants Things we desire but do not need economics-vocabulary
Goods Physical products that satisfy wants economics-vocabulary
Services Work done for others economics-vocabulary
Consumer A person who buys and uses goods and services economics-vocabulary
Producer A person or business that makes goods or services economics-vocabulary
Opportunity cost The next best thing you give up when you make a choice economics-vocabulary
Trade-off Giving up one thing to get another economics-vocabulary
Incentive Something that motivates people to act economics-vocabulary
Supply How much of a good sellers are willing to offer at each price economics-vocabulary
Demand How much of a good buyers are willing to buy at each price economics-vocabulary
Law of demand When price rises, quantity demanded falls economics-vocabulary
Law of supply When price rises, quantity supplied rises economics-vocabulary
Equilibrium price The price where supply equals demand economics-vocabulary
Shortage When demand is greater than supply economics-vocabulary
Surplus When supply is greater than demand economics-vocabulary
Price The amount of money asked for something economics-vocabulary
Market Place or system where buyers and sellers trade economics-vocabulary
Competition Businesses trying to win customers by offering better prices or quality economics-vocabulary
Monopoly When only one business sells a product economics-vocabulary
Profit Money left after paying all costs economics-vocabulary
Revenue Money a business takes in from sales economics-vocabulary
Cost What it takes to make or buy something economics-vocabulary
Fixed cost A cost that stays the same, like rent economics-vocabulary
Variable cost A cost that changes with output, like materials economics-vocabulary
Wage Pay for work economics-vocabulary
Salary Fixed pay for a job, usually yearly economics-vocabulary
Income Money received by a person or household economics-vocabulary
Budget A plan for earning, saving and spending money economics-vocabulary
Saving Setting money aside for later economics-vocabulary
Investment Putting money into something expecting it to grow economics-vocabulary
Interest Money paid for borrowing, or earned on savings economics-vocabulary
Credit Borrowing money or buying now to pay later economics-vocabulary
Debt Money that is owed economics-vocabulary
Loan Money borrowed that must be repaid economics-vocabulary
Bank Business that holds money and makes loans economics-vocabulary
Inflation A general rise in prices over time economics-vocabulary
Deflation A general fall in prices economics-vocabulary
Recession A period when the economy shrinks economics-vocabulary
Depression A very severe, long economic downturn economics-vocabulary
GDP Gross domestic product: total value of goods and services a country produces in a year economics-vocabulary
Unemployment When people who want jobs cannot find them economics-vocabulary
Tax Money paid to the government economics-vocabulary
Tariff A tax on imported goods economics-vocabulary
Trade Exchange of goods and services economics-vocabulary
Import A good bought from another country economics-vocabulary
Export A good sold to another country economics-vocabulary
Barter Trading goods directly without money economics-vocabulary
Specialization Focusing on producing one thing economics-vocabulary
Division of labor Splitting work into tasks economics-vocabulary
Productivity Output per worker or per hour economics-vocabulary
Free market Economy where buyers and sellers decide what to produce and at what price economics-vocabulary
Command economy Government makes most economic decisions economics-vocabulary
Mixed economy Combination of private choice and government action economics-vocabulary
Traditional economy Decisions based on custom and habit economics-vocabulary
Capitalism System based on private ownership and profit economics-vocabulary
Socialism System where the community or government owns major industries economics-vocabulary
Private property Goods and land owned by individuals economics-vocabulary
Public goods Things everyone shares, like roads and parks economics-vocabulary
Externality A side effect of an activity that affects others, like pollution economics-vocabulary
Subsidy Government money to help support an industry economics-vocabulary
Regulation Government rules for businesses economics-vocabulary
Stock A share of ownership in a company economics-vocabulary
Bond A loan to a company or government that pays interest economics-vocabulary
Stock market Place where shares in companies are bought and sold economics-vocabulary
Entrepreneurship Starting and running a business economics-vocabulary
Standard of living How well people live based on goods, services and money economics-vocabulary
Global economy Trade and money flows connecting countries economics-vocabulary
Globalization Increasing connections among economies worldwide economics-vocabulary
Election A process where voters choose officials or decide questions elections-and-voting
Voter A person who casts a vote elections-and-voting
Voting age 18 in the United States elections-and-voting
Voter registration Signing up in order to vote; rules vary by state elections-and-voting
Ballot Form or screen where voters mark their choices elections-and-voting
Secret ballot Voting privately so no one knows your choice elections-and-voting
Polling place Location where people vote on Election Day elections-and-voting
Absentee ballot A ballot sent by mail to someone who cannot vote in person elections-and-voting
Early voting Voting before Election Day elections-and-voting
Election Day Tuesday after the first Monday in November for federal elections elections-and-voting
Presidential term Four years elections-and-voting
Midterm election Election in the middle of a president's term elections-and-voting
Primary Election to choose each party's candidate elections-and-voting
Caucus A meeting where party members choose candidates elections-and-voting
National convention Meeting where a party nominates its presidential candidate elections-and-voting
Running mate A presidential candidate's choice for vice president elections-and-voting
Campaign The effort to win votes elections-and-voting
Debate Event where candidates discuss issues elections-and-voting
Platform A party's goals elections-and-voting
Swing state A state where either party could win elections-and-voting
Electoral College 538 electors who formally choose the president elections-and-voting
Electoral votes needed 270 of 538 elections-and-voting
Elector A person chosen by a state to cast electoral votes elections-and-voting
Winner-take-all In most states, the candidate who wins the state gets all its electoral votes elections-and-voting
Popular vote The total number of votes cast by individual voters elections-and-voting
Inauguration Ceremony when a new president takes office, January 20 elections-and-voting
Oath of office Promise taken by officials when they start their jobs elections-and-voting
Two-party system Politics dominated by two main parties elections-and-voting
Democratic Party One of the two major US parties, founded in the 1820s-1830s elections-and-voting
Republican Party One of the two major US parties, founded in 1854 elections-and-voting
Third party A smaller party outside the two major ones elections-and-voting
Independent A voter or candidate not tied to a party elections-and-voting
Gerrymandering Drawing district lines to give one group an advantage elections-and-voting
Redistricting Redrawing voting districts after each census elections-and-voting
District An area represented by one official elections-and-voting
Census Count of all people, every ten years elections-and-voting
Reapportionment Reassigning House seats among states after the census elections-and-voting
Suffrage The right to vote elections-and-voting
1789 Early voting was limited mostly to property-owning white men in many states elections-and-voting
15th Amendment (1870) Said race could not deny the right to vote elections-and-voting
19th Amendment (1920) Women gained the right to vote nationwide elections-and-voting
Suffragists People who worked for women's right to vote elections-and-voting
Seneca Falls (1848) First women's rights convention elections-and-voting
Susan B. Anthony Suffrage leader who was arrested for voting in 1872 elections-and-voting
Alice Paul Suffragist who led marches and picketing for the 19th Amendment elections-and-voting
Indian Citizenship Act (1924) Made Native Americans citizens; some states still blocked voting for years elections-and-voting
Poll tax Fee for voting, used to keep poor and Black voters away elections-and-voting
24th Amendment (1964) Banned poll taxes in federal elections elections-and-voting
Literacy test Reading test used to keep Black citizens from voting elections-and-voting
Voting Rights Act (1965) Protected voting rights and ended many barriers elections-and-voting
Selma marches 1965 marches for voting rights in Alabama elections-and-voting
26th Amendment (1971) Lowered the voting age to 18 elections-and-voting
Motor Voter Act (1993) Let people register while getting a driver's license elections-and-voting
Ballot measure A question put to voters directly elections-and-voting
Recall A vote to remove an official before their term ends, in some states elections-and-voting
Exit poll Survey of voters leaving polling places elections-and-voting
Election observer Person who watches voting to make sure it is fair elections-and-voting
Turnout Percent of eligible voters who vote elections-and-voting
Incumbent Person currently holding office elections-and-voting
Term limits Laws limiting how many terms someone can serve elections-and-voting
Campaign finance How candidates raise and spend money elections-and-voting
Why vote? Elections let citizens choose leaders and influence laws elections-and-voting
Family A group of people who care for each other families-and-communities-k2
Parent A mom or dad who cares for a child families-and-communities-k2
Grandparent The mother or father of your parent families-and-communities-k2
Sibling A brother or sister families-and-communities-k2
Aunt and uncle The sister or brother of your parent families-and-communities-k2
Cousin The child of your aunt or uncle families-and-communities-k2
Guardian A grown-up who takes care of a child families-and-communities-k2
Families are different Some families are big, some small; all families care for each other families-and-communities-k2
Family tradition Something a family does again and again, like a holiday meal families-and-communities-k2
Chore A small job to help at home families-and-communities-k2
Home A place where people live families-and-communities-k2
Neighborhood The area around where you live families-and-communities-k2
Community A group of people who live, work and play in the same place families-and-communities-k2
Town A community with homes, stores and a government families-and-communities-k2
City A large community with many people and buildings families-and-communities-k2
Rural Countryside with farms and open land families-and-communities-k2
Urban A busy city area families-and-communities-k2
Suburb A community near a city with many homes families-and-communities-k2
Neighbor A person who lives near you families-and-communities-k2
Map A drawing that shows where places are families-and-communities-k2
Map key Shows what the symbols on a map mean families-and-communities-k2
Globe A round model of Earth families-and-communities-k2
Compass rose Shows north, south, east and west on a map families-and-communities-k2
Rule Something that tells us what we should do families-and-communities-k2
Law A rule for everyone in a community families-and-communities-k2
Why we have rules To keep us safe and treat everyone fairly families-and-communities-k2
Fair Treating everyone the same way families-and-communities-k2
Share Let others use or have some of what you have families-and-communities-k2
Take turns Each person gets a chance, one after another families-and-communities-k2
Respect Treating people and things with care families-and-communities-k2
Kindness Being friendly and helpful families-and-communities-k2
Honest Telling the truth families-and-communities-k2
Responsible Doing what you are supposed to do families-and-communities-k2
Citizen A member of a community or country families-and-communities-k2
Good citizen Someone who follows rules, helps others and cares for the community families-and-communities-k2
Vote Make a choice by marking a ballot or raising a hand families-and-communities-k2
Leader A person who guides a group families-and-communities-k2
President Leader of the United States families-and-communities-k2
Mayor Leader of a town or city families-and-communities-k2
Flag A symbol of a country or group families-and-communities-k2
Pledge of Allegiance A promise we say to honor our flag families-and-communities-k2
Need Something you must have to live, like food, water, clothing and shelter families-and-communities-k2
Want Something you would like but do not need, like a toy families-and-communities-k2
Goods Things you can buy or use, like shoes families-and-communities-k2
Services Jobs people do for others, like haircuts families-and-communities-k2
Job Work that a person does families-and-communities-k2
Money What we use to buy things families-and-communities-k2
Save Keep money for later families-and-communities-k2
Spend Use money to buy something families-and-communities-k2
Earn Get money for working families-and-communities-k2
Store A place where we buy things families-and-communities-k2
Market A place where people buy and sell food and goods families-and-communities-k2
Farm A place where food is grown families-and-communities-k2
Factory A place where things are made families-and-communities-k2
School A place where children learn families-and-communities-k2
Library A place where you borrow books families-and-communities-k2
Hospital A place where sick or hurt people get care families-and-communities-k2
Fire station Where firefighters work families-and-communities-k2
Post office Where mail is sent and received families-and-communities-k2
Park A place to play outside families-and-communities-k2
Museum A place to see art, history or science families-and-communities-k2
Bridge A structure that lets people cross water or roads families-and-communities-k2
Road A path for cars, buses and bikes families-and-communities-k2
Past Things that already happened families-and-communities-k2
Present Now families-and-communities-k2
Future Things that will happen later families-and-communities-k2
History The story of the past families-and-communities-k2
Long ago A time many years before now families-and-communities-k2
Timeline A line that shows events in order families-and-communities-k2
Holiday A special day that people celebrate families-and-communities-k2
Culture The way a group of people live, including food, music and customs families-and-communities-k2
Custom A way of doing things that people share families-and-communities-k2
Immigrant Someone who moves to a new country families-and-communities-k2
Tradition A custom passed down over time families-and-communities-k2
Resolve conflict Solve a problem with words and kindness families-and-communities-k2
Safe Not in danger families-and-communities-k2
Lunar New Year Celebrated in China and many Asian countries in January or February, with family meals and lion dances holidays-around-the-world
Diwali Festival of lights celebrated in India and by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in autumn holidays-around-the-world
Holi Spring festival of colors in India and Nepal holidays-around-the-world
Eid al-Fitr Muslim celebration after the month of Ramadan ends holidays-around-the-world
Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday during the time of the Hajj pilgrimage holidays-around-the-world
Hanukkah Eight-day Jewish festival of lights in late autumn or winter holidays-around-the-world
Passover Jewish spring holiday remembering the exodus from Egypt holidays-around-the-world
Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year, often in September holidays-around-the-world
Christmas Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, December 25 in most places holidays-around-the-world
Easter Christian spring holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus holidays-around-the-world
Orthodox Christmas Celebrated on January 7 in several Orthodox churches holidays-around-the-world
Kwanzaa Seven-day celebration of African American culture, December 26 to January 1 holidays-around-the-world
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) Mexican holiday on November 1-2 to remember loved ones with altars and flowers holidays-around-the-world
Cinco de Mayo May 5 remembers a Mexican victory at Puebla in 1862, celebrated widely in the US holidays-around-the-world
Mexican Independence Day September 16, marks the start of the independence movement in 1810 holidays-around-the-world
Carnival Pre-Lent festival with parades, especially in Brazil holidays-around-the-world
Mardi Gras Carnival season ending on Fat Tuesday, famous in New Orleans holidays-around-the-world
Oktoberfest Bavarian autumn festival in Munich, Germany holidays-around-the-world
Bastille Day July 14, France's national day holidays-around-the-world
St. Patrick's Day March 17, honoring the patron saint of Ireland holidays-around-the-world
Halloween October 31, a night of costumes and treats in many countries holidays-around-the-world
Thanksgiving (US) Fourth Thursday in November, a day for gratitude and family meals holidays-around-the-world
Thanksgiving (Canada) Second Monday in October holidays-around-the-world
Independence Day (US) July 4, marks the Declaration of Independence holidays-around-the-world
Canada Day July 1, marks Canada's confederation in 1867 holidays-around-the-world
Australia Day January 26, Australia's national day holidays-around-the-world
Anzac Day April 25 in Australia and New Zealand, honoring those who served holidays-around-the-world
Waitangi Day February 6, New Zealand's national day marking a 1840 treaty holidays-around-the-world
Songkran Thai New Year in April, with water splashing holidays-around-the-world
Loy Krathong Thai festival with floating lanterns on water holidays-around-the-world
Chuseok Korean harvest festival in autumn holidays-around-the-world
Seollal Korean New Year holidays-around-the-world
Obon Japanese summer festival honoring ancestors holidays-around-the-world
Tanabata Japanese star festival on July 7 holidays-around-the-world
Setsubun Japanese festival marking the start of spring holidays-around-the-world
Hinamatsuri Japanese Girls' Day on March 3 with display dolls holidays-around-the-world
Children's Day (Japan) May 5, with carp streamers holidays-around-the-world
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrated in China and Vietnam with mooncakes and lanterns holidays-around-the-world
Dragon Boat Festival Chinese festival with boat races, in late spring or early summer holidays-around-the-world
Lantern Festival Marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations holidays-around-the-world
Vesak Buddhist festival honoring the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing holidays-around-the-world
Nowruz Persian New Year at the spring equinox, celebrated in Iran and Central Asia holidays-around-the-world
Navratri Hindu festival of nine nights holidays-around-the-world
Raksha Bandhan Indian festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters holidays-around-the-world
Pongal Tamil harvest festival in January holidays-around-the-world
Onam Harvest festival in Kerala, India holidays-around-the-world
Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu festival honoring Ganesha holidays-around-the-world
Vaisakhi Sikh and Punjabi harvest festival in April holidays-around-the-world
Hogmanay Scottish New Year's Eve celebration holidays-around-the-world
Bonfire Night November 5 in Britain with fireworks holidays-around-the-world
Burns Night January 25, Scots celebrate poet Robert Burns holidays-around-the-world
Guy Fawkes Night Another name for Bonfire Night holidays-around-the-world
La Tomatina Spanish tomato-throwing festival in August holidays-around-the-world
Running of the bulls Spanish festival in Pamplona in July holidays-around-the-world
Midsummer Celebrated in Sweden and across Northern Europe near the June solstice holidays-around-the-world
St. Lucia Day December 13, celebrated in Sweden with candles holidays-around-the-world
Sinterklaas Dutch gift-giving tradition in early December holidays-around-the-world
Epiphany (Three Kings Day) January 6, celebrated in Spain and Latin America holidays-around-the-world
Las Posadas Mexican pre-Christmas processions holidays-around-the-world
Inti Raymi Inca festival of the sun, celebrated in Peru holidays-around-the-world
Juneteenth June 19, US holiday marking the end of slavery holidays-around-the-world
Martin Luther King Jr. Day US holiday on the third Monday in January holidays-around-the-world
Yom Kippur Jewish Day of Atonement holidays-around-the-world
Ramadan Muslim month of fasting holidays-around-the-world
Lent Christian season before Easter holidays-around-the-world
Sukkot Jewish harvest festival of booths holidays-around-the-world
Purim Jewish holiday with costumes and stories holidays-around-the-world
Earth Day April 22, a day to protect the environment, observed worldwide holidays-around-the-world
International Women's Day March 8 holidays-around-the-world
Human Rights Day December 10 holidays-around-the-world
Pi Day March 14, celebrating the number pi (3.14) holidays-around-the-world
Groundhog Day February 2, a North American tradition about predicting spring holidays-around-the-world
Arbor Day Tree planting holiday celebrated in many countries holidays-around-the-world
Winter solstice Shortest day of the year, marked by festivals like Yule and Dongzhi holidays-around-the-world
Holidays follow calendars Many holidays follow lunar or religious calendars, so dates change each year holidays-around-the-world
Step 1: An idea A citizen, group or lawmaker has an idea for a law how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 2: Sponsor A member of Congress agrees to introduce the bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 3: Introduction The bill is introduced in the House or the Senate and given a number how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 4: Committee A small group of members studies the bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 5: Hearings Committees listen to experts and the public how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 6: Markup The committee debates and may change the bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 7: Committee vote If the committee approves, the bill goes to the full chamber how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 8: Floor debate All members of that chamber discuss and may amend the bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 9: Vote A majority must vote yes for the bill to pass that chamber how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 10: Other chamber The bill goes through the same process in the other chamber how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 11: Conference committee If versions differ, members from both chambers work out one version how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 12: Final vote Both chambers must pass the same version how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Step 13: President The bill goes to the president how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
President signs The bill becomes law how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
President vetoes The bill is rejected and sent back to Congress how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Veto override Two-thirds of both houses can pass it anyway how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Pocket veto If Congress adjourns and the president does not sign within ten days, the bill dies how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
No action by president After ten days (not counting Sundays) it becomes law if Congress is in session how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Bill A proposed law how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Sponsor The lawmaker who introduces a bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Cosponsor A lawmaker who joins in supporting a bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Act A bill that has passed both houses how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Statute A law passed by a legislature how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Committee A smaller group of lawmakers who study certain subjects how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Subcommittee A smaller group within a committee how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Hearing A meeting where experts and citizens give opinions on a bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Amendment (to a bill) A change proposed to the text of a bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Floor The main meeting space where all members debate and vote how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Majority More than half of the votes how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Quorum Number of members needed to hold a vote how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Roll call vote A vote where each member's answer is recorded how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Voice vote Members shout yes or no and the presiding officer decides how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Filibuster Long speeches used to delay a Senate vote how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Cloture A Senate vote to end debate; needs three-fifths (60) of senators how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Conference committee House and Senate members who combine different versions of a bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Revenue bills Bills for raising money must begin in the House how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Who can introduce a bill? Only members of Congress, though anyone can suggest an idea how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Where do bills start? In either the House or Senate, except revenue bills how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Rider An unrelated provision added to a bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Omnibus bill A very large bill that covers many topics how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Appropriations Bills that provide money for government programs how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Resolution A statement of Congress's opinion that does not become law how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Joint resolution Passed by both houses and signed by the president; has the force of law how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Public law A law that applies to everyone how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Private law A law that applies to a specific person or group how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Federal Register Daily publication of rules and notices from federal agencies how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Regulations Detailed rules made by agencies to carry out laws how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Constituent A voter represented by a lawmaker; they can contact their representatives how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
How you can help Contact lawmakers, vote, testify at hearings, join groups or write letters how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Congress.gov Official website to follow bills how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Law enforcement Executive branch carries out the laws how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Courts and laws Courts interpret laws and can strike them down if unconstitutional how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
State laws State legislatures follow similar steps, with a governor signing instead of the president how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Local laws (ordinances) Passed by city or county councils how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Three readings Many legislatures read a bill several times before passing it how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Enacted Officially made into law how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Supermajority A vote higher than a simple majority, like two-thirds how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Simple majority Half plus one of those voting how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Tie vote in the Senate The vice president casts the deciding vote how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Bill number H.R. means a House bill; S. means a Senate bill how-a-bill-becomes-a-law
Need Something you must have to live, like food, water, clothes and a home kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Want Something you would like to have but can live without kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Is food a need or a want? A need kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Is a video game a need or a want? A want kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Is a coat in winter a need or a want? A need kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Good A thing you can see and touch that people buy, like a ball kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Service Work someone does for you, like a haircut kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Is a teacher's lesson a good or a service? A service kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Is a bike a good or a service? A good kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Producer A person or business that makes goods or services kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Consumer A person who buys and uses goods and services kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Resource Something used to make goods or services kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Natural resource Something from nature, like water, trees or soil kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Human resource People and the work they do kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Capital resource Tools and machines used to make things kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Scarcity Not enough of something for everyone to have all they want kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Choice Picking one thing over another kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Opportunity cost What you give up when you choose something else kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Trade-off Giving up one thing to get another kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Trade Exchanging goods or services kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Barter Trading things without money kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Money Coins and bills used to pay for things kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Price How much something costs kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Buy Pay money to get something kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Sell Give something in exchange for money kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Earn Get money for doing work kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Spend Use money to buy kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Save Keep money for later kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Budget A plan for how to use your money kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Profit Money a business has left after paying its costs kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Business An organization that sells goods or services kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Entrepreneur Someone who starts a business kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Lemonade stand A simple business where kids sell drinks kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Customer A person who buys from a business kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Worker A person who does a job kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Job Work that people do to earn money kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Income Money you receive kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Wage Pay for work kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Tax Money people pay to the government for things like roads and schools kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Bank A place that keeps your money safe kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Market A place where people buy and sell kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Supply How much of something is available to buy kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Demand How much people want something kids-economics-goods-and-trade
When many people want something that is hard to get The price may go up kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Import A good brought into a country from another country kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Export A good sent out to another country kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Factory Place where goods are made kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Farm Where food is grown kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Where does a banana come from? From farms in warm places, then shipped to stores kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Specialize Focus on doing one kind of job well kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Why trade? People trade because no one can make everything they need kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Fair trade Trade that pays workers fairly kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Advertising Messages that try to get you to buy something kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Coupon A paper or code that gives a discount kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Sale A time when prices are lower kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Donate Give something to help others kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Charity A group that helps people in need kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Allowance Money kids may get regularly kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Interest Extra money a bank pays when you save kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Loan Money borrowed that must be paid back kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Debt Money you owe kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Compare prices Look at different prices to find the best deal kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Smart shopper Someone who plans, compares prices and saves kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Piggy bank A container for saving coins kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Wealth Having many valuable things kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Cost What you pay or give up to get something kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Benefit A good result from a choice kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Decision-making steps Name the problem, list choices, weigh pros and cons, choose, then think about how it went kids-economics-goods-and-trade
Money Something people accept in trade for goods and services money-and-banking-basics
Barter Trading goods without using money money-and-banking-basics
Three uses of money A way to pay, a way to measure value and a way to save money-and-banking-basics
Currency The paper bills and coins used in a country money-and-banking-basics
Penny A coin worth 1 cent money-and-banking-basics
Nickel A coin worth 5 cents money-and-banking-basics
Dime A coin worth 10 cents money-and-banking-basics
Quarter A coin worth 25 cents money-and-banking-basics
Half dollar A coin worth 50 cents money-and-banking-basics
Dollar coin A coin worth 100 cents money-and-banking-basics
How many cents in a dollar? One hundred money-and-banking-basics
How many nickels make a quarter? Five money-and-banking-basics
How many dimes make a dollar? Ten money-and-banking-basics
How many quarters make a dollar? Four money-and-banking-basics
How many pennies make a dime? Ten money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on a penny? Abraham Lincoln money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on a nickel? Thomas Jefferson money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on a dime? Franklin D. Roosevelt money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on a quarter? George Washington money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on the $1 bill? George Washington money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on the $5 bill? Abraham Lincoln money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on the $10 bill? Alexander Hamilton money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on the $20 bill? Andrew Jackson money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on the $50 bill? Ulysses S. Grant money-and-banking-basics
Whose picture is on the $100 bill? Benjamin Franklin money-and-banking-basics
US Mint Government agency that makes coins money-and-banking-basics
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Government agency that prints paper bills money-and-banking-basics
Federal Reserve The central bank of the United States money-and-banking-basics
Counterfeit Fake money money-and-banking-basics
Earning Receiving money for work money-and-banking-basics
Allowance Money given regularly to a child money-and-banking-basics
Saving Keeping money to use later money-and-banking-basics
Spending Using money to buy something money-and-banking-basics
Giving Donating money to help others money-and-banking-basics
Budget A plan for how to use money money-and-banking-basics
Piggy bank A container where children save coins money-and-banking-basics
Goal Something you want to work toward, like saving for a toy money-and-banking-basics
Bank A business that keeps money safe and makes loans money-and-banking-basics
Credit union A member-owned bank-like organization money-and-banking-basics
Savings account Bank account that earns interest money-and-banking-basics
Checking account Bank account used to pay bills and spend money money-and-banking-basics
Deposit Putting money into an account money-and-banking-basics
Withdrawal Taking money out of an account money-and-banking-basics
Balance The amount of money in an account money-and-banking-basics
Interest Money the bank pays you for saving, or you pay for borrowing money-and-banking-basics
Compound interest Earning interest on both your money and past interest money-and-banking-basics
ATM Machine where you can withdraw cash or make deposits money-and-banking-basics
Debit card Card that takes money directly from your account money-and-banking-basics
Credit card Card that lets you borrow money to pay later money-and-banking-basics
Loan Money borrowed that must be paid back money-and-banking-basics
Debt Money you owe money-and-banking-basics
Mortgage Loan to buy a home money-and-banking-basics
Credit score A number that shows how well you repay debts money-and-banking-basics
Insurance Protection where you pay a fee to be covered for big losses money-and-banking-basics
FDIC Government program that insures bank deposits money-and-banking-basics
Tax Money paid to the government money-and-banking-basics
Sales tax Extra money added when you buy things money-and-banking-basics
Income tax Tax on what you earn money-and-banking-basics
Paycheck Payment for work money-and-banking-basics
Gross pay Pay before taxes are taken out money-and-banking-basics
Net pay Pay after taxes and other deductions money-and-banking-basics
Profit Money left after costs are paid money-and-banking-basics
Price How much something costs money-and-banking-basics
Sale A lower price for a limited time money-and-banking-basics
Coupon A voucher that gives a discount money-and-banking-basics
Compare prices Check different stores to find a better deal money-and-banking-basics
Unit price Cost per ounce, pound or item to compare products money-and-banking-basics
Entrepreneur Person who starts a business money-and-banking-basics
Lemonade stand A common first business for kids money-and-banking-basics
Donation A gift to help a cause money-and-banking-basics
Charity Organization that helps people in need money-and-banking-basics
Stock A small piece of ownership in a company money-and-banking-basics
Cryptocurrency Digital money that uses computer code; its value can change a lot money-and-banking-basics
Dollar sign The symbol $ for dollars money-and-banking-basics
Cent sign The symbol ¢ for cents money-and-banking-basics
Change Money given back when you pay more than the price money-and-banking-basics
Psychology The scientific study of behavior and mental processes psychology-intro-terms
Wilhelm Wundt Founded the first psychology lab in 1879 in Leipzig psychology-intro-terms
William James American pioneer who wrote Principles of Psychology psychology-intro-terms
Sigmund Freud Founder of psychoanalysis; emphasized the unconscious psychology-intro-terms
B.F. Skinner Behaviorist known for operant conditioning psychology-intro-terms
Ivan Pavlov Discovered classical conditioning with dogs psychology-intro-terms
Jean Piaget Described stages of cognitive development in children psychology-intro-terms
Lev Vygotsky Stressed the role of social interaction in learning psychology-intro-terms
Carl Rogers Humanistic psychologist who emphasized acceptance and growth psychology-intro-terms
Abraham Maslow Proposed a hierarchy of human needs psychology-intro-terms
Behaviorism Approach that studies observable behavior psychology-intro-terms
Cognitive psychology Study of thinking, memory and problem solving psychology-intro-terms
Humanistic psychology Approach focused on personal growth and potential psychology-intro-terms
Neuroscience Study of the brain and nervous system psychology-intro-terms
Neuron A nerve cell that sends signals psychology-intro-terms
Synapse The gap where neurons communicate psychology-intro-terms
Neurotransmitter Chemical messenger between neurons, like dopamine psychology-intro-terms
Brain stem Controls basic life functions like breathing psychology-intro-terms
Cerebellum Helps with balance and coordination psychology-intro-terms
Cerebral cortex Outer layer of the brain involved in thinking psychology-intro-terms
Frontal lobe Involved in planning and decision-making psychology-intro-terms
Hippocampus Brain region important for forming new memories psychology-intro-terms
Amygdala Brain region involved in emotion, especially fear psychology-intro-terms
Nature vs nurture Debate about how much genes versus experience shape behavior psychology-intro-terms
Hypothesis A testable prediction psychology-intro-terms
Experiment A study that changes one variable to see its effect psychology-intro-terms
Independent variable The factor the researcher changes psychology-intro-terms
Dependent variable The outcome that is measured psychology-intro-terms
Control group Group that does not receive the treatment, for comparison psychology-intro-terms
Correlation A relationship between two variables psychology-intro-terms
Placebo A harmless treatment with no active ingredient psychology-intro-terms
Random sample A sample chosen by chance psychology-intro-terms
Sensation Detecting stimuli with the senses psychology-intro-terms
Perception Interpreting sensory information psychology-intro-terms
Attention Focusing mental resources on something psychology-intro-terms
Consciousness Awareness of yourself and your surroundings psychology-intro-terms
REM sleep Sleep stage with rapid eye movement and vivid dreams psychology-intro-terms
Circadian rhythm The body's roughly 24-hour clock psychology-intro-terms
Classical conditioning Learning by linking two stimuli psychology-intro-terms
Operant conditioning Learning from the consequences of behavior psychology-intro-terms
Reinforcement Something that increases a behavior psychology-intro-terms
Punishment Something that decreases a behavior psychology-intro-terms
Observational learning Learning by watching others, studied by Albert Bandura psychology-intro-terms
Memory The process of storing and retrieving information psychology-intro-terms
Encoding Putting information into memory psychology-intro-terms
Storage Keeping information over time psychology-intro-terms
Retrieval Getting information out of memory psychology-intro-terms
Short-term memory Holds a small amount of information briefly psychology-intro-terms
Working memory Mental workspace for handling information psychology-intro-terms
Long-term memory Lasting storage of knowledge and experiences psychology-intro-terms
Forgetting curve Hermann Ebbinghaus's finding that memory fades quickly without review psychology-intro-terms
Spaced practice Studying over time rather than all at once psychology-intro-terms
Mnemonic A memory aid psychology-intro-terms
Cognition Mental activities like thinking and knowing psychology-intro-terms
Heuristic A mental shortcut for making decisions psychology-intro-terms
Bias A systematic error in thinking psychology-intro-terms
Intelligence Ability to learn, reason and adapt psychology-intro-terms
Developmental psychology Study of how people change across life psychology-intro-terms
Attachment Emotional bond between a child and caregiver psychology-intro-terms
Erikson's stages Eight stages of psychosocial development across life psychology-intro-terms
Adolescence Period of development between childhood and adulthood psychology-intro-terms
Emotion A feeling with physical, mental and behavioral parts psychology-intro-terms
Motivation The drive to act toward goals psychology-intro-terms
Maslow's hierarchy Needs from basic (food, safety) to love, esteem and self-actualization psychology-intro-terms
Personality Lasting patterns of thinking, feeling and acting psychology-intro-terms
Big Five Openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism psychology-intro-terms
Stress Response to demands or threats psychology-intro-terms
Coping Ways of managing stress psychology-intro-terms
Psychological disorder A pattern of thoughts or behaviors that causes distress or difficulty psychology-intro-terms
Therapy Treatment to help with mental health concerns psychology-intro-terms
Social psychology Study of how people influence each other psychology-intro-terms
Conformity Changing behavior to match a group psychology-intro-terms
Bystander effect People are less likely to help when others are present psychology-intro-terms
Cognitive dissonance Discomfort from conflicting beliefs or actions psychology-intro-terms
Stereotype Overgeneralized belief about a group psychology-intro-terms
Prejudice Negative attitude toward a group psychology-intro-terms
Altruism Helping others without expecting rewards psychology-intro-terms
Growth mindset Belief that abilities can grow with effort psychology-intro-terms
Sociology The scientific study of society and social behavior sociology-intro-terms
Society A group of people who share a territory and culture sociology-intro-terms
Sociological imagination C. Wright Mills's idea of linking personal troubles to larger social issues sociology-intro-terms
Auguste Comte Coined the word sociology; called the father of sociology sociology-intro-terms
Emile Durkheim Studied social facts, solidarity and suicide rates sociology-intro-terms
Max Weber Studied bureaucracy and the Protestant ethic sociology-intro-terms
Karl Marx Focused on class conflict sociology-intro-terms
W.E.B. Du Bois Early American sociologist who studied race and The Philadelphia Negro sociology-intro-terms
Jane Addams Social reformer whose work with Hull House shaped early sociology sociology-intro-terms
Harriet Martineau Early sociologist who translated Comte and studied American society sociology-intro-terms
Structural functionalism View that society is a system of parts that work together sociology-intro-terms
Conflict theory View that society is shaped by competition over resources and power sociology-intro-terms
Symbolic interactionism View that society is built from everyday interactions and shared meanings sociology-intro-terms
Macrosociology Study of large-scale social patterns sociology-intro-terms
Microsociology Study of small groups and face-to-face interaction sociology-intro-terms
Culture Shared beliefs, values, norms and objects of a group sociology-intro-terms
Norms Rules for behavior in a group sociology-intro-terms
Folkways Everyday customs, like table manners sociology-intro-terms
Mores Norms with strong moral importance sociology-intro-terms
Laws Formal norms enforced by government sociology-intro-terms
Values Ideas about what is good, right and important sociology-intro-terms
Sanction A reward or punishment that enforces norms sociology-intro-terms
Deviance Behavior that violates norms sociology-intro-terms
Social control Ways society encourages conformity sociology-intro-terms
Conformity Following the norms of a group sociology-intro-terms
Socialization The lifelong process of learning culture and roles sociology-intro-terms
Agents of socialization Family, school, peers, media and religion sociology-intro-terms
Primary socialization Early learning in the family sociology-intro-terms
Peer group People of similar age and interests sociology-intro-terms
Hidden curriculum Lessons schools teach without saying so, like punctuality sociology-intro-terms
Social structure Patterns of relationships that organize society sociology-intro-terms
Status A position in society sociology-intro-terms
Ascribed status Status given at birth or involuntarily sociology-intro-terms
Achieved status Status earned by effort sociology-intro-terms
Role Behavior expected of someone in a status sociology-intro-terms
Role conflict Tension between roles, such as student and employee sociology-intro-terms
Primary group Small, close group, like family sociology-intro-terms
Secondary group Larger, goal-oriented group, like a company sociology-intro-terms
In-group A group you identify with sociology-intro-terms
Out-group A group you do not identify with sociology-intro-terms
Reference group Group used to evaluate yourself sociology-intro-terms
Social network A web of connections among people sociology-intro-terms
Social institution Established system meeting basic needs, like family, education and government sociology-intro-terms
Bureaucracy Organization with rules, ranks and specialized jobs sociology-intro-terms
Social stratification Ranking of people in layers by wealth, power or prestige sociology-intro-terms
Social class A group with similar economic position sociology-intro-terms
Socioeconomic status Combination of income, education and occupation sociology-intro-terms
Social mobility Moving between social classes sociology-intro-terms
Poverty Lacking resources for basic needs sociology-intro-terms
Inequality Unequal sharing of wealth, power or opportunity sociology-intro-terms
Prejudice Unfair attitudes toward a group sociology-intro-terms
Discrimination Unfair treatment based on group membership sociology-intro-terms
Stereotype Oversimplified belief about a group sociology-intro-terms
Race A social category based on perceived physical traits sociology-intro-terms
Ethnicity Shared cultural heritage sociology-intro-terms
Minority group A group with less power than the dominant group sociology-intro-terms
Gender Social and cultural roles linked to being male or female sociology-intro-terms
Gender roles Expected behaviors for men and women sociology-intro-terms
Demography Study of population size and change sociology-intro-terms
Birth rate Number of births per 1,000 people per year sociology-intro-terms
Migration Movement of people from one place to another sociology-intro-terms
Urbanization Growth of cities sociology-intro-terms
Social movement Organized effort for or against social change sociology-intro-terms
Collective behavior Spontaneous group actions, like crowds sociology-intro-terms
Social change Changes in culture and institutions over time sociology-intro-terms
Technology and society New technologies change how people work and relate sociology-intro-terms
Globalization Increasing connection among societies sociology-intro-terms
Sample A smaller group studied to learn about a larger one sociology-intro-terms
Survey Questions asked of many people sociology-intro-terms
Correlation A relationship between two variables, which does not prove one causes the other sociology-intro-terms
Hypothesis A testable prediction sociology-intro-terms
Variable A factor that can change sociology-intro-terms
Ethnography In-depth study through observation sociology-intro-terms
Anomie Durkheim's term for feeling of normlessness sociology-intro-terms
Looking-glass self Charles Cooley's idea that we form self-image from how others see us sociology-intro-terms
Generalized other George Herbert Mead's term for society's expectations sociology-intro-terms
Dramaturgy Erving Goffman's view of life as a performance with front and back stages sociology-intro-terms
State government The government of one of the 50 states state-and-local-government
Governor The head of a state's executive branch state-and-local-government
State legislature The group of elected people who make state laws state-and-local-government
State capital City where the state government meets state-and-local-government
State capitol The building where the legislature meets state-and-local-government
State constitution Each state's own written plan of government state-and-local-government
State supreme court The highest court in most states state-and-local-government
Local government Government of a city, town, village or county state-and-local-government
City government Runs services for a city, led by a mayor and council state-and-local-government
Mayor Elected head of a city or town state-and-local-government
City council Group that makes local laws called ordinances state-and-local-government
Ordinance A law made by a city or county government state-and-local-government
County A region within a state with its own government state-and-local-government
County seat The town where a county's government is located state-and-local-government
Sheriff Elected law officer for a county state-and-local-government
Town meeting A gathering where townspeople vote on local issues state-and-local-government
School board Elected group that oversees local public schools state-and-local-government
Superintendent Head of a school district state-and-local-government
Special district A local government for one purpose, like water or parks state-and-local-government
Public services Services governments provide: schools, roads, police, fire, libraries, parks state-and-local-government
Police department Works to keep the community safe and enforce laws state-and-local-government
Fire department Fights fires and responds to emergencies state-and-local-government
Public library Free place to borrow books and learn state-and-local-government
Public works Departments that maintain roads, water and sewers state-and-local-government
Public transportation Buses, trains and subways that serve the community state-and-local-government
Taxes (local) Property and sales taxes help pay for local services state-and-local-government
Property tax A tax on land and buildings state-and-local-government
Sales tax A tax added to the price of items you buy state-and-local-government
Income tax A tax on money people earn state-and-local-government
License Official permission, like a driver's license state-and-local-government
Zoning Rules about how land can be used state-and-local-government
Building permit Permission to build or change a building state-and-local-government
Election (local) Voters choose mayors, council members, school boards and judges state-and-local-government
Zoning board Group that decides how land may be used state-and-local-government
Federalism Power shared between national and state governments state-and-local-government
Powers of states Run schools, hold elections, regulate businesses and set driving rules state-and-local-government
Powers of the federal government Print money, declare war, make treaties, run the military state-and-local-government
Shared powers Taxing, building roads and making laws are done by both state-and-local-government
Statehood A territory becomes a state when Congress approves state-and-local-government
Territory Land belonging to the US that is not a state state-and-local-government
Home rule Local authority to run its own affairs state-and-local-government
City charter A city's founding document and rules for its government state-and-local-government
Township A form of local government in some states state-and-local-government
Tribal government Federally recognized Native nations govern themselves state-and-local-government
Municipality A city, town or village with local government state-and-local-government
Urban City area state-and-local-government
Rural Countryside area state-and-local-government
Suburb Community near a city state-and-local-government
District attorney Local lawyer who prosecutes crimes for the government state-and-local-government
Local judge Judge in a municipal or county court state-and-local-government
Public hearing Meeting where citizens speak about a proposed rule state-and-local-government
Petition (local) Citizens collect signatures to ask the government to act state-and-local-government
Public comment Time at meetings for people to speak state-and-local-government
Volunteer fire company Local firefighters who serve without pay in many towns state-and-local-government
Emergency services 911 services for fire, medical and police needs state-and-local-government
911 Number to call in an emergency in the US state-and-local-government
Recycling program Local service that collects and processes recyclable materials state-and-local-government
Parks department Maintains parks and playgrounds state-and-local-government
Health department Works to protect public health, like checking restaurants state-and-local-government
Community center Place that offers classes and activities state-and-local-government
Budget (local) Plan for how a city or county will spend money state-and-local-government
Why local government matters It handles many things you use every day state-and-local-government
Governor's powers Signs or vetoes bills and leads the state's executive branch state-and-local-government
Lieutenant governor Second in command in many states state-and-local-government
Attorney general (state) The state's chief lawyer state-and-local-government
Secretary of state (state) Official who often oversees elections and records state-and-local-government
National Guard Military units that can serve under the governor or the president state-and-local-government
Bill of Rights The first ten amendments, ratified in 1791 us-bill-of-rights
Why add a bill of rights? Many people wanted written protection from a strong national government us-bill-of-rights
First Amendment Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition us-bill-of-rights
Freedom of religion Government cannot set up an official church or stop you from practicing your faith us-bill-of-rights
Establishment Clause Government may not establish an official religion us-bill-of-rights
Free Exercise Clause You may practice your religion freely us-bill-of-rights
Freedom of speech You may express your ideas without government punishment, within limits us-bill-of-rights
Freedom of the press News outlets may publish without government censorship us-bill-of-rights
Freedom of assembly People may gather peacefully us-bill-of-rights
Right to petition People may ask the government to fix problems us-bill-of-rights
Second Amendment The right to keep and bear arms, with a militia purpose stated us-bill-of-rights
Third Amendment Soldiers cannot be forced to live in your home in peacetime us-bill-of-rights
Fourth Amendment Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures us-bill-of-rights
Search warrant Court order that lets police search a place, based on probable cause us-bill-of-rights
Probable cause Good reason to believe a crime happened us-bill-of-rights
Fifth Amendment Grand jury, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, due process, fair payment for property taken us-bill-of-rights
Double jeopardy You cannot be tried twice for the same crime us-bill-of-rights
Self-incrimination No one can be forced to testify against themselves us-bill-of-rights
Pleading the fifth Refusing to answer questions that could incriminate you us-bill-of-rights
Due process Fair procedures before the government takes life, liberty or property us-bill-of-rights
Eminent domain Government may take private land for public use if it pays fairly us-bill-of-rights
Grand jury Group that decides whether there is enough evidence to bring charges us-bill-of-rights
Sixth Amendment Speedy public trial, an impartial jury, a lawyer, and facing your accusers us-bill-of-rights
Right to counsel Right to have a lawyer us-bill-of-rights
Impartial jury Jurors who are fair and have not decided in advance us-bill-of-rights
Seventh Amendment Jury trials in many civil cases us-bill-of-rights
Civil case A legal dispute between people or groups, often about money us-bill-of-rights
Criminal case Government charges someone with breaking a law us-bill-of-rights
Eighth Amendment No excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishment us-bill-of-rights
Bail Money paid to be free while waiting for trial us-bill-of-rights
Ninth Amendment People have other rights besides those listed us-bill-of-rights
Tenth Amendment Powers not given to the national government belong to the states or the people us-bill-of-rights
Reserved powers Powers the Tenth Amendment leaves to the states us-bill-of-rights
James Madison Wrote the Bill of Rights in Congress in 1789 us-bill-of-rights
George Mason Virginian who urged a bill of rights and wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights us-bill-of-rights
Anti-Federalists Opponents of the Constitution who demanded a bill of rights us-bill-of-rights
Federalists Supporters of the Constitution who promised to add one us-bill-of-rights
Ratification of Bill of Rights Completed December 15, 1791 us-bill-of-rights
Bill of Rights Day December 15, marking ratification us-bill-of-rights
Magna Carta influence England's 1215 charter influenced ideas of due process us-bill-of-rights
English Bill of Rights 1689 document that influenced American rights us-bill-of-rights
Virginia Declaration of Rights 1776 state document, a model for the national Bill of Rights us-bill-of-rights
Selective incorporation Courts applying the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment us-bill-of-rights
Fourteenth Amendment Guarantees equal protection and due process from state governments us-bill-of-rights
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) Students keep free speech rights at school if they do not disrupt learning us-bill-of-rights
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) Police must tell suspects of their rights before questioning us-bill-of-rights
Miranda rights You have the right to remain silent and to have a lawyer us-bill-of-rights
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) The state must provide a lawyer to defendants who cannot afford one us-bill-of-rights
Mapp v. Ohio (1961) Evidence taken by illegal search cannot be used in state court us-bill-of-rights
New York Times v. United States (1971) Upheld press freedom in the Pentagon Papers case us-bill-of-rights
Engel v. Vitale (1962) Public schools cannot sponsor official prayer us-bill-of-rights
West Virginia v. Barnette (1943) Students cannot be forced to salute the flag us-bill-of-rights
Libel and slander False statements that harm someone's reputation; not protected speech us-bill-of-rights
Censorship Government control of what can be said or published us-bill-of-rights
Peaceful protest Gathering to express views, protected by the First Amendment us-bill-of-rights
Search and seizure Looking through property and taking items us-bill-of-rights
Jury of peers A group of ordinary citizens who decide a trial us-bill-of-rights
Unreasonable search A search without a good reason or warrant us-bill-of-rights
Witness Person who testifies about what they saw or know us-bill-of-rights
Defendant Person accused of a crime or sued in court us-bill-of-rights
Rights vs responsibilities Rights come with duties, like respecting others' rights us-bill-of-rights
Amendments 11-27 Later amendments, such as ending slavery, granting voting rights, and others us-bill-of-rights
Constitution The written plan for the US government and the nation's highest law us-constitution-basics
Year written 1787, in Philadelphia us-constitution-basics
Year in effect 1789, after nine states ratified it in 1788 us-constitution-basics
Constitutional Convention Meeting of state delegates in 1787 that wrote the Constitution us-constitution-basics
Framers The delegates who wrote the Constitution us-constitution-basics
James Madison Called the Father of the Constitution us-constitution-basics
George Washington President of the Constitutional Convention us-constitution-basics
Preamble The introduction that begins 'We the People' us-constitution-basics
Purposes in the Preamble Form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure peace, provide defense, promote welfare, secure liberty us-constitution-basics
Article I Describes Congress, the legislative branch us-constitution-basics
Article II Describes the president, the executive branch us-constitution-basics
Article III Describes the courts, the judicial branch us-constitution-basics
Article IV Describes the relationship of states to each other and the nation us-constitution-basics
Article V Explains how to amend the Constitution us-constitution-basics
Article VI Says the Constitution is the supreme law of the land us-constitution-basics
Article VII Explains how the Constitution would be ratified us-constitution-basics
Supremacy Clause Federal law is above state law when they conflict us-constitution-basics
Popular sovereignty Government's power comes from the people us-constitution-basics
Limited government The government has only the powers the Constitution gives it us-constitution-basics
Separation of powers Power is divided among three branches us-constitution-basics
Checks and balances Each branch can limit the other two us-constitution-basics
Federalism Power shared between national and state governments us-constitution-basics
Republicanism People elect representatives to govern for them us-constitution-basics
Individual rights Basic freedoms protected from government interference us-constitution-basics
Great Compromise Gave states equal votes in the Senate and population-based seats in the House us-constitution-basics
Roger Sherman Delegate from Connecticut who helped craft the Great Compromise us-constitution-basics
Three-Fifths Compromise Counted three-fifths of enslaved people for representation; later ended us-constitution-basics
Virginia Plan Proposal for representation based on population us-constitution-basics
New Jersey Plan Proposal for equal representation for each state us-constitution-basics
Federalists People who supported ratifying the Constitution us-constitution-basics
Anti-Federalists People who opposed it without a bill of rights us-constitution-basics
Ratify To formally approve us-constitution-basics
Amendment A formal change to the Constitution us-constitution-basics
How to propose an amendment Two-thirds of both houses of Congress, or a convention called by two-thirds of states us-constitution-basics
How to ratify an amendment Three-fourths of the states must approve us-constitution-basics
Number of amendments Twenty-seven us-constitution-basics
Bill of Rights First ten amendments, ratified in 1791 us-constitution-basics
Necessary and Proper Clause Lets Congress make laws needed to carry out its powers us-constitution-basics
Commerce Clause Gives Congress power to regulate trade between states and with other nations us-constitution-basics
Enumerated powers Powers specifically listed for Congress in Article I us-constitution-basics
Implied powers Powers not listed but suggested by the listed ones us-constitution-basics
Reserved powers Powers left to the states under the Tenth Amendment us-constitution-basics
Concurrent powers Powers shared by federal and state governments, like taxing us-constitution-basics
Elastic clause Another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause us-constitution-basics
Bicameral Having two chambers, like the House and Senate us-constitution-basics
Qualifications for president Natural-born citizen, at least 35, 14 years a resident us-constitution-basics
Qualifications for senator At least 30, a citizen for nine years, lives in the state us-constitution-basics
Qualifications for representative At least 25, a citizen for seven years, lives in the state us-constitution-basics
Impeachment House charges and Senate tries an official for serious misconduct us-constitution-basics
Veto President's rejection of a bill us-constitution-basics
Veto override Two-thirds of both houses can pass a bill over a veto us-constitution-basics
Judicial review Courts can decide that laws violate the Constitution (Marbury v. Madison, 1803) us-constitution-basics
Electoral College Electors chosen by states formally select the president us-constitution-basics
Habeas corpus Right to be brought before a court to challenge imprisonment us-constitution-basics
Ex post facto law A law that punishes an act that was legal when it was done; banned by the Constitution us-constitution-basics
Bill of attainder A law that declares someone guilty without a trial; banned us-constitution-basics
Treason Betraying the country, defined narrowly in the Constitution us-constitution-basics
Full Faith and Credit States must respect each other's public acts and court rulings us-constitution-basics
Extradition Returning a person accused of a crime to the state where it happened us-constitution-basics
Oath of office Promise by officials to support the Constitution us-constitution-basics
National Archives Washington, DC building where the Constitution is displayed us-constitution-basics
Constitution Day September 17, marking the 1787 signing us-constitution-basics
Signers Thirty-nine delegates signed the Constitution us-constitution-basics
Benjamin Franklin Oldest delegate at the Convention us-constitution-basics
Gouverneur Morris Wrote much of the final Constitution's wording us-constitution-basics
Elbridge Gerry Delegate who refused to sign because it lacked a bill of rights us-constitution-basics
1st Amendment (1791) Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition us-constitutional-amendments
2nd Amendment (1791) The right to keep and bear arms us-constitutional-amendments
3rd Amendment (1791) Limits quartering soldiers in private homes us-constitutional-amendments
4th Amendment (1791) Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures us-constitutional-amendments
5th Amendment (1791) Due process, no double jeopardy, no forced self-incrimination us-constitutional-amendments
6th Amendment (1791) Rights of the accused: speedy public trial, jury, lawyer us-constitutional-amendments
7th Amendment (1791) Right to a jury trial in many civil cases us-constitutional-amendments
8th Amendment (1791) No excessive bail or fines; no cruel and unusual punishment us-constitutional-amendments
9th Amendment (1791) Rights not listed are still kept by the people us-constitutional-amendments
10th Amendment (1791) Powers not given to the federal government belong to states or the people us-constitutional-amendments
11th Amendment (1795) Limits suing a state in federal court by citizens of other states us-constitutional-amendments
12th Amendment (1804) Electors vote separately for president and vice president us-constitutional-amendments
13th Amendment (1865) Ended slavery in the United States us-constitutional-amendments
14th Amendment (1868) Citizenship for all born in the US; equal protection and due process for all persons us-constitutional-amendments
15th Amendment (1870) Voting rights cannot be denied because of race us-constitutional-amendments
16th Amendment (1913) Allows Congress to collect an income tax us-constitutional-amendments
17th Amendment (1913) Senators are elected directly by the people us-constitutional-amendments
18th Amendment (1919) Prohibited making and selling alcohol us-constitutional-amendments
19th Amendment (1920) Women have the right to vote us-constitutional-amendments
20th Amendment (1933) Sets the start dates for presidents' and Congress's terms; the 'lame duck' amendment us-constitutional-amendments
21st Amendment (1933) Repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition us-constitutional-amendments
22nd Amendment (1951) Limits a president to two elected terms us-constitutional-amendments
23rd Amendment (1961) Gives Washington, DC electoral votes for president us-constitutional-amendments
24th Amendment (1964) Bans poll taxes in federal elections us-constitutional-amendments
25th Amendment (1967) Explains what happens if a president cannot serve, and fills vice presidential vacancies us-constitutional-amendments
26th Amendment (1971) Lowered the voting age to 18 us-constitutional-amendments
27th Amendment (1992) Congress's pay changes cannot take effect until after the next election us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendments ended slavery and protected rights after the Civil War? The 13th, 14th and 15th, called the Reconstruction Amendments us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendments expand voting rights? 15th (race), 19th (women), 23rd (DC), 24th (no poll tax), 26th (age 18) us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendment created the income tax? The 16th us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendment is Prohibition? The 18th (it was repealed by the 21st) us-constitutional-amendments
Which is the only amendment that repealed another? The 21st repealed the 18th us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendment lowered the voting age? The 26th us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendment gave women the vote? The 19th us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendment has the Due Process Clause for states? The 14th us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendment limits the president to two terms? The 22nd us-constitutional-amendments
Which amendments make up the Bill of Rights? The first ten us-constitutional-amendments
How long did the 27th Amendment take to ratify? Over 200 years: proposed in 1789, ratified in 1992 us-constitutional-amendments
How many amendments were proposed by Congress and ratified? Twenty-seven have been ratified us-constitutional-amendments
Who proposes amendments? Two-thirds of Congress, or a convention requested by two-thirds of states us-constitutional-amendments
Who ratifies amendments? Three-fourths of the states us-constitutional-amendments
Does the president sign amendments? No; the president has no formal role in ratifying them us-constitutional-amendments
Equal protection clause Part of the 14th Amendment requiring states to treat people equally under the law us-constitutional-amendments
Birthright citizenship The 14th Amendment says people born in the US are citizens us-constitutional-amendments
Direct election Voters choose a leader without electors, as with senators after 1913 us-constitutional-amendments
Poll tax A fee to vote, banned in federal elections by the 24th Amendment us-constitutional-amendments
Lame duck An official whose term is ending after an election; the 20th Amendment shortened that period us-constitutional-amendments
Inauguration date January 20, set by the 20th Amendment us-constitutional-amendments
Electoral votes for DC Three, granted by the 23rd Amendment us-constitutional-amendments
Suffrage The right to vote us-constitutional-amendments
Prohibition National ban on alcohol, 1920-1933 us-constitutional-amendments
Repeal To cancel a law or amendment us-constitutional-amendments
American flag Called the Stars and Stripes; red, white and blue us-symbols-and-landmarks
Stars on the flag Fifty, one for each state us-symbols-and-landmarks
Stripes on the flag Thirteen, for the original colonies us-symbols-and-landmarks
Colors of the flag Red, white and blue us-symbols-and-landmarks
Pledge of Allegiance A promise of loyalty to the flag and the nation us-symbols-and-landmarks
The Star-Spangled Banner The national anthem us-symbols-and-landmarks
Francis Scott Key Wrote the anthem's words in 1814 us-symbols-and-landmarks
Bald eagle National bird and a symbol of the United States us-symbols-and-landmarks
Great Seal Official emblem used on documents, shown on the back of the dollar bill us-symbols-and-landmarks
E Pluribus Unum Latin for 'Out of many, one' us-symbols-and-landmarks
In God We Trust National motto adopted in 1956 us-symbols-and-landmarks
Uncle Sam Cartoon figure who stands for the US government us-symbols-and-landmarks
Liberty Bell Cracked bell in Philadelphia that stands for freedom us-symbols-and-landmarks
Statue of Liberty Gift from France in 1886, in New York Harbor us-symbols-and-landmarks
Ellis Island Where millions of immigrants arrived in New York us-symbols-and-landmarks
Independence Hall Philadelphia building where the Declaration and Constitution were signed us-symbols-and-landmarks
White House Home of the president, in Washington, DC us-symbols-and-landmarks
US Capitol Building where Congress meets us-symbols-and-landmarks
Supreme Court building Home of the nation's highest court us-symbols-and-landmarks
Lincoln Memorial Monument to Abraham Lincoln on the National Mall us-symbols-and-landmarks
Washington Monument Tall obelisk honoring George Washington us-symbols-and-landmarks
Jefferson Memorial Domed monument to Thomas Jefferson us-symbols-and-landmarks
National Mall Long park in Washington, DC with monuments and museums us-symbols-and-landmarks
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Black granite wall with the names of those lost in the war us-symbols-and-landmarks
Arlington National Cemetery Burial place for many who served in the military us-symbols-and-landmarks
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Honors unnamed fallen soldiers, in Arlington us-symbols-and-landmarks
Mount Rushmore Mountain carving of four presidents in South Dakota us-symbols-and-landmarks
Four faces on Mount Rushmore Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Lincoln us-symbols-and-landmarks
Golden Gate Bridge Red suspension bridge in San Francisco us-symbols-and-landmarks
Grand Canyon Huge canyon in Arizona carved by the Colorado River us-symbols-and-landmarks
Niagara Falls Waterfalls on the border of New York and Canada us-symbols-and-landmarks
Yellowstone First US national park, in 1872 us-symbols-and-landmarks
Old Faithful Famous geyser in Yellowstone us-symbols-and-landmarks
Alamo Texas mission, a symbol of the fight for Texas independence us-symbols-and-landmarks
Gateway Arch Tall arch in St. Louis, Missouri us-symbols-and-landmarks
Space Needle Tower in Seattle us-symbols-and-landmarks
Empire State Building Famous New York skyscraper us-symbols-and-landmarks
Hoover Dam Dam on the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona us-symbols-and-landmarks
Mississippi River Major river that flows to the Gulf of Mexico us-symbols-and-landmarks
Rocky Mountains Mountain range in western North America us-symbols-and-landmarks
Appalachian Mountains Mountain range in the eastern United States us-symbols-and-landmarks
Great Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario us-symbols-and-landmarks
Independence Day July 4, the birthday of the nation us-symbols-and-landmarks
Memorial Day Last Monday in May, honors those who died serving us-symbols-and-landmarks
Veterans Day November 11, honors all who served us-symbols-and-landmarks
Labor Day First Monday in September, honors workers us-symbols-and-landmarks
Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in November us-symbols-and-landmarks
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Third Monday in January us-symbols-and-landmarks
Presidents Day Third Monday in February, honors presidents us-symbols-and-landmarks
Flag Day June 14 honors the flag us-symbols-and-landmarks
Constitution Day September 17 us-symbols-and-landmarks
Juneteenth June 19, marks the end of slavery us-symbols-and-landmarks
Columbus Day Second Monday in October; some places celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day us-symbols-and-landmarks
Pledge words 'one nation' The Pledge says 'one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all' us-symbols-and-landmarks
Penny Shows Abraham Lincoln us-symbols-and-landmarks
Dollar bill Shows George Washington us-symbols-and-landmarks
Capital of the US Washington, DC us-symbols-and-landmarks
How many states? Fifty us-symbols-and-landmarks
Number of original colonies Thirteen us-symbols-and-landmarks
Betsy Ross Said by tradition to have sewn an early flag; the story is not proven us-symbols-and-landmarks
Flag etiquette Treat the flag with respect; do not let it touch the ground us-symbols-and-landmarks
Smokey Bear Symbol for preventing wildfires us-symbols-and-landmarks
Apple pie and baseball Often thought of as American traditions us-symbols-and-landmarks
Yankee Doodle Song from the Revolution era us-symbols-and-landmarks
America the Beautiful Patriotic song written by Katharine Lee Bates us-symbols-and-landmarks
This Land Is Your Land Folk song by Woody Guthrie about the American landscape us-symbols-and-landmarks
My Country, 'Tis of Thee Patriotic song also called America us-symbols-and-landmarks
National park Land protected by the nation for its beauty or history us-symbols-and-landmarks
National Park Service Agency that cares for national parks, created in 1916 us-symbols-and-landmarks
Smithsonian Group of museums in Washington, DC us-symbols-and-landmarks
Library of Congress Largest library in the world us-symbols-and-landmarks
Legislative branch Congress; makes the laws us-three-branches-of-government
Executive branch The president and agencies; carry out the laws us-three-branches-of-government
Judicial branch The courts; interpret the laws us-three-branches-of-government
Congress The Senate and the House of Representatives together us-three-branches-of-government
Senate Part of Congress with 100 members, two from each state us-three-branches-of-government
House of Representatives Part of Congress with 435 voting members, based on state population us-three-branches-of-government
Senator's term Six years us-three-branches-of-government
Representative's term Two years us-three-branches-of-government
President's term Four years us-three-branches-of-government
Vice president Takes over if the president cannot serve and presides over the Senate us-three-branches-of-government
Cabinet Advisers who lead major departments us-three-branches-of-government
Federal agency Part of the executive branch that does a specific job, like the FDA or NASA us-three-branches-of-government
Supreme Court The nation's highest court, with nine justices us-three-branches-of-government
Federal judge Judge appointed by the president and approved by the Senate; serves for life us-three-branches-of-government
Justice A member of the Supreme Court us-three-branches-of-government
Chief Justice The leader of the Supreme Court us-three-branches-of-government
Bill A proposed law us-three-branches-of-government
Law A rule made by government us-three-branches-of-government
Veto President says no to a bill us-three-branches-of-government
Override Congress passes a bill again over a veto with a two-thirds vote us-three-branches-of-government
Separation of powers Splitting government power among three branches us-three-branches-of-government
Checks and balances Each branch has ways to limit the others us-three-branches-of-government
Congress checks the president By passing laws, controlling funds and impeaching officials us-three-branches-of-government
President checks Congress By vetoing bills us-three-branches-of-government
Courts check Congress and the president By ruling that laws or actions are unconstitutional us-three-branches-of-government
Senate checks the president By confirming nominees and approving treaties us-three-branches-of-government
President checks the courts By nominating judges us-three-branches-of-government
Congress checks the courts By approving judges, creating lower courts and proposing amendments us-three-branches-of-government
Impeach To charge an official with serious wrongdoing us-three-branches-of-government
Confirm To approve a nominee, which the Senate does us-three-branches-of-government
Nominate To propose someone for a job us-three-branches-of-government
Treaty Agreement with another nation, made by the president with Senate approval us-three-branches-of-government
Commander in chief The president as head of the military us-three-branches-of-government
Declare war Power given to Congress us-three-branches-of-government
Pass a budget Congress decides how federal money is spent us-three-branches-of-government
Regulate trade Congress can set rules for trade between states and with other countries us-three-branches-of-government
Interpret laws Courts decide what laws mean us-three-branches-of-government
Judicial review Courts can decide a law goes against the Constitution us-three-branches-of-government
Appeals court Court that reviews decisions of lower courts us-three-branches-of-government
District court Federal trial court us-three-branches-of-government
Executive order Directive from the president to run the executive branch us-three-branches-of-government
Pardon President's power to forgive a federal crime us-three-branches-of-government
Speaker of the House Leader of the House of Representatives us-three-branches-of-government
Majority leader Senate or House leader of the largest party us-three-branches-of-government
Committee Small group of members who study bills in detail us-three-branches-of-government
Filibuster Using long speeches to delay a vote in the Senate us-three-branches-of-government
Quorum Minimum number of members needed to do business us-three-branches-of-government
Term limit Limit on how long someone may hold an office us-three-branches-of-government
Constituent A person represented by an elected official us-three-branches-of-government
Lobbyist Person who tries to influence lawmakers on behalf of a group us-three-branches-of-government
Federal budget Plan for how the national government will spend and raise money us-three-branches-of-government
Capitol Building in Washington, DC where Congress meets us-three-branches-of-government
White House Residence and office of the president us-three-branches-of-government
Supreme Court building In Washington, DC, with the words 'Equal Justice Under Law' us-three-branches-of-government
Marbury v. Madison 1803 case that established judicial review us-three-branches-of-government
Number of justices Nine; the number is set by Congress us-three-branches-of-government
Why three branches? So no single group has too much power us-three-branches-of-government
Executive departments Fifteen major departments such as State, Treasury, Defense and Education us-three-branches-of-government
Secretary of State Cabinet member who handles foreign relations us-three-branches-of-government
Attorney General Head of the Justice Department us-three-branches-of-government
Independent agency Federal agency not part of a cabinet department us-three-branches-of-government
Religion A system of beliefs and practices about the sacred, often shared by a community world-religions-basics
Monotheism Belief in one God world-religions-basics
Polytheism Belief in many gods world-religions-basics
Faith Trust or belief in a religion's teachings world-religions-basics
Judaism One of the oldest monotheistic religions, began in the Middle East about 4,000 years ago world-religions-basics
Torah The first five books of the Hebrew Bible; central text of Judaism world-religions-basics
Synagogue Jewish house of worship and community world-religions-basics
Rabbi Jewish teacher and leader world-religions-basics
Sabbath (Shabbat) Jewish weekly day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening world-religions-basics
Passover Jewish spring festival remembering the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt world-religions-basics
Hanukkah Jewish festival of lights in winter world-religions-basics
Yom Kippur Jewish Day of Atonement, a day of fasting and prayer world-religions-basics
Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year world-religions-basics
Bar and bat mitzvah Ceremonies marking a Jewish young person's religious responsibility world-religions-basics
Christianity Religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth; the largest religion in the world world-religions-basics
Bible Holy book of Christianity, with the Old and New Testaments world-religions-basics
Church Christian house of worship world-religions-basics
Christmas Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, on December 25 in most churches world-religions-basics
Easter Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus world-religions-basics
Trinity Christian teaching of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit world-religions-basics
Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant The three main branches of Christianity world-religions-basics
Islam Religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad; followers are called Muslims world-religions-basics
Quran Holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be God's word world-religions-basics
Mosque Muslim house of worship world-religions-basics
Five Pillars of Islam Faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage world-religions-basics
Ramadan Islamic month of fasting from dawn to sunset world-religions-basics
Eid al-Fitr Festival marking the end of Ramadan world-religions-basics
Eid al-Adha Festival of sacrifice at the time of the Hajj world-religions-basics
Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca world-religions-basics
Mecca Holy city in Saudi Arabia that Muslims face when praying world-religions-basics
Imam Leader of prayer in a mosque world-religions-basics
Hinduism Ancient religion of India with many gods and traditions world-religions-basics
Vedas Oldest sacred texts of Hinduism world-religions-basics
Bhagavad Gita Hindu scripture about duty and devotion world-religions-basics
Temple (mandir) Hindu house of worship world-religions-basics
Brahman The supreme reality in Hindu thought world-religions-basics
Karma The idea that actions have consequences, in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain thought world-religions-basics
Reincarnation Belief that the soul is reborn after death world-religions-basics
Diwali Hindu festival of lights, also observed by Sikhs and Jains world-religions-basics
Holi Hindu spring festival of colors world-religions-basics
Ganges River River considered sacred by Hindus world-religions-basics
Buddhism Religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha world-religions-basics
Buddha Means 'awakened one' world-religions-basics
Four Noble Truths Buddhist teachings about suffering and how to end it world-religions-basics
Eightfold Path Buddhist guide to ethical living and meditation world-religions-basics
Nirvana Buddhist goal of freedom from suffering world-religions-basics
Meditation A practice of focused attention and calm world-religions-basics
Monk A man who lives a religious life in a monastery world-religions-basics
Wesak (Vesak) Festival marking the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death world-religions-basics
Sikhism Monotheistic religion founded in Punjab by Guru Nanak in the 1400s world-religions-basics
Guru Granth Sahib Sikh holy scripture world-religions-basics
Gurdwara Sikh house of worship world-religions-basics
Five Ks Articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs world-religions-basics
Jainism Indian religion stressing nonviolence toward all living things world-religions-basics
Confucianism Chinese philosophy based on Confucius that stresses respect, learning and family world-religions-basics
Daoism Chinese tradition of living in harmony with the Dao, or Way world-religions-basics
Shinto Japan's native tradition honoring kami, or spirits world-religions-basics
Bahá'í Faith Religion founded in the 1800s that teaches the unity of humanity world-religions-basics
Indigenous religions Traditions of native peoples, often tied to land and ancestors world-religions-basics
Animism Belief that natural things have spirits world-religions-basics
Zoroastrianism Ancient Persian religion with the prophet Zoroaster world-religions-basics
Humanism A non-religious outlook focused on human values and reason world-religions-basics
Atheism Lack of belief in a god or gods world-religions-basics
Agnosticism The view that the existence of God cannot be known world-religions-basics
Secular Not connected to religion world-religions-basics
Interfaith Involving people of different religions world-religions-basics
Religious freedom The right to follow your own beliefs world-religions-basics
Scripture Sacred writings world-religions-basics
Pilgrimage Journey to a holy place world-religions-basics
Prayer Communication with the divine world-religions-basics
Ritual A set of actions performed for a religious purpose world-religions-basics
Clergy Religious leaders world-religions-basics
Place of worship Church, synagogue, mosque, temple, gurdwara or shrine world-religions-basics
Golden Rule Many traditions teach to treat others as you want to be treated world-religions-basics
Number of followers (approx.) Christianity and Islam are the two largest; Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism follow in various order world-religions-basics
Respect Learning about faiths helps people understand and respect each other world-religions-basics