Word Bank
"A Word a Day Keeps Illiteracy Away"
While it's not exactly how the old saying goes, the concept that small habits lead to big results still applies, especially in learning.
Serving as a dictionary of all things civics, this page is a valuable resource containing 365 words - one for each day of the year - for teachers, parents, citizens, and lifelong learners from all walks of life to increase their political knowledge.
Civics 365 cuts out the political noise and biases by defining common political terms, buzz words, and ideologies from both sides of the aisle. Each word has its corresponding definition and a fun fact with a link to its source* on this page, facilitating further learning at the touch of a button. In addition, the words are organized so that you can learn more about a particular category that interests you without sorting through all the definitions.
*Inclusion of a source on this page does not constitute an endorsement by Civics 365 for the organizations, websites, worldviews, or other content affiliated with or promoted by said sources. Civics 365 is responsible only for the validity of the facts appearing on our site and reserves the right to edit these sources at any time. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
- 01
Definition
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution added "to prevent misconstruction or abuse of [the Constitution's] powers." ~ Preamble to the Bill of Rights
Did You Know?
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Without the promise of these rights eventually being added to the Constitution, it might not have been ratified.
Source:
https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/bill-of-rights
- 02
Definition
"The established form of government in a state, kingdom, or country; a system of fundamental rules, principles and ordinances for the government of a state or nation. In free states, the constitution is paramount to the statutes or laws enacted by the legislature, limiting and controlling its power; and in the United States, the legislature is created, and its powers designated, by the constitution." ~ Websters 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
The United States Constitution was ratified on September 17th, 1787, a day now commemorated as "Constitution Day." There are seven articles and twenty-seven amendments and can be read in less than thirty minutes.
Source:
https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/constitution.htm
- 03
Definition
"Government by the people; a form of government, in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of the people collectively, or in which the people exercise the powers of legislation. Such was the government of Athens." ~ Websters 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
The founding fathers were adamantly opposed to the idea of founding a pure democracy because they feared founding a government on the majority's feelings. For example, James Madison said, "[Pure] democracies have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and in general been as short in their lives, as they have been violent in their death.
Source:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-10-02-0178
- 04
Definition
"A system of governance where the federal government and state governments each have clearly defined spheres of power. Under this system, the federal government cannot interfere with matters delegated to state authority, and states cannot interfere with matters of federal authority." ~ Ballotpedia
Did You Know?
"Dual Federalism contains four basic principles: (1) The national government is one of enumerated powers only. (2) The purposes which the national government may constitutionally promote are few. (3) Within their respective spheres the two centers of government are sovereign and hence equal. (4) The relationship between the two centers is one of tension rather than collaboration."
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- 05
Definition
A commonwealth; a state in which the exercise of the sovereign power is lodged in representatives elected by the people. ~ Websters 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
Democracy and republic are not synonymous terms. Websters 1828 Dictionary says that a republic "differs from a democracy or democratic state, in which the people exercise the powers of sovereignty in person."
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- 06
Definition
"A system of government that distributes the powers and functions of government among separate and independent entities." ~ Ballotpedia
Did You Know?
The United States practices separation of powers by dividing the federal government and most of the state governments into three branches: legislative, executive, and judiciary, each of which have a distinct role.
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- 07
Definition
"A political principle providing that a majority usually constituted by fifty percent plus one of an organized group will have the power to make decisions binding upon the whole." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
A pure democracy is only concerned with majority rule - the feelings and rights of the majority. While the American system of government reflects majority rule in some aspects, it does not fully operate under this philosophy. For example, the checks and balances system and the electoral college are both safeguards to protect the rights of the majority and minority.
- 08
Definition
A political principle that provides for equal rights for everyone in a nation, allowing all to pursue "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" within the parameters of the law. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
Minority rights are inseparable in American government from majority rule, as Thomas Jefferson affirmed when he said, "Bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression."
Source:
Jefferson's First Inaugural Address https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-33-02-0116-0004
- 09
Definition
"Rights that cannot be legally or justly alienated or transferred to another." ~ Websters 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
The founders acknowledged that inalienable rights come from God. For example, when John Dickinson defined inalienable rights, he said that they were rights "which God gave to you and which no inferior power has a right to take away."
Source:
John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, p. xlii, https://ia600204.us.archive.org/19/items/lettersfromfarme00dick/lettersfromfarme00dick.pdf
- 10
Definition
"The expression of right reason or the dictate of religion inhering in nature and man and having ethically binding force as a rule of civil conduct." ~ Etymonline
Did You Know?
Founding Father George Mason said that "The laws of nature are the laws of God, whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth. . .All human constitutions which contradict His laws we are in conscience bound to disobey."
Source:
https://www.informerarchives.com/sources/robin-v-hardaway--1-jefferson-109.pdf
- 11
Definition
"The liberty of men in a state or society, or natural liberty so far only abridged and restrained, as is necessary and expedient for the safety and interest of the society, state, or nation. A restraint of natural liberty not necessary or expedient for the public, is tyranny or oppression. Civil liberty is an exemption from the arbitrary will of others, which exemption is secured by established laws, which restrain every man from injuring or controlling another. Hence the restraints of law are essential to civil liberty." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
The first amendment is perhaps one of the best examples of defining civil liberties. The amendment says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Civil liberties recognize and respect God-given freedoms and, through timeless moral laws, put restraints on the power of popular opinion.
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- 12
Definition "Rights that citizens are guaranteed by their government through legislation or other government action to ensure equal opportunities and equal protection under the law regardless of personal characteristics such as race, religion, or sex." Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
The fifteenth amendment is perhaps one of the best examples of defining civil rights. The amendment says that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." Civil rights are created by the government in accordance with what it views as constituting a civil liberty, in theory protecting rights deemed consistent with governmental and constitutional principles.
Source:
https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-15/
- 13
Definition
"An ideal from the U.S. Consitution which protects life, liberty, and property by stating that these things cannot be taken away from any person who has not first received due process of law through a fair trial." ~ Ballotpedia
Did You Know?
"The Due Process clause is the only command stated twice in the Constitution," the first time in the fifth amendment and the second time in the fourteenth amendment."
Source:
- 14
Definition
"A state must treat an individual or class of individuals the same as it treats other individuals or classes in like circumstances." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
Originally, the equal protection clause was meant to ensure equal treatment of all individuals regardless of ethnicity following the end of slavery; however, the language has been expanded in recent years to include other demographics, a shift which some argue is a gross misinterpretation of its original intent while others champion its evolution.
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- 15
Definition
The right of journalists to share information and opinions with the public without the fear of government censorship. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
The Founding Fathers understood the importance of freedom of the press when it came to establishing a free country. For example, Thomas Jefferson said that "no experiment can be more interesting than that we are now trying, and which we trust will end in establishing the fact, that man may be governed by reason and truth. Our first object should therefore be, to leave open to him all the avenues to truth. The most effectual hitherto found, is the freedom of the press."
Source:
https://www.heritage.org/american-founders/commentary/franklin-and-the-free-press
- 16
Definition
The right of the people in a country to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions publicly without fear of government censorship. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
It goes without saying that the Founders and Framers understood the importance of free speech. For example, Benjamin Franklin said that "freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government: When this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates."
Source:
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2015/01/great-american-thinkers-free-speech/
- 17
Definition
The right of the people in a country to meet together in public spaces wtihout the fear of government intervention. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
When drafting the First Amendment, the framers actually considered not including a right to assemble in the Bill of Rights, thinking that doing such a thing might lead to the American people easily discarding the system of government they'd been given. However, it is important to note that just because the right to assemble is there does not mean that the government is obligated to respond, which has protected our system of government along with other checks and balances.
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- 18
Definition
The right of the people in a country to communicate with the government, either singularly or as a group, and ask for change in a particular area without fear of government censorship. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
Petitioning was a common way for people to get involved in politics in eighteenth century America. This could be why the right to petition made it into the Bill of Rights, as the Founders had seen the importance and necessity of effecting change in the government in this manner firsthand.
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- 19
Definition
"Not alienable; that cannot be alienated; that may not be transferred; as unalienable rights." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
"Unalienable" and "inalienable" are often used as synonyms in American vernacular and mean the same thing. While modern political discussions favor "inalienable" whereas the Declaration uses the word "unalienable," both words refer to rights that are given to humanity by the Creator God and therefore cannot be taken away by man.
Source:
https://wallbuilders.com/resource/faq-inalienable-rights/
- 20
Definition
"A charter of liberties to which the English barons forced King John to give his assent in June 1215 at Runnymede." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
Many of the rights named in the U.S. Bill of Rights descend directly from the Magna Carta. For example, the right to due process, a speedy as well as a jury trial, and freedom from unlawful search and seizures all stem from the Magna Carta.
Source:
https://www.thoughtco.com/why-magna-carta-key-document-usa-104638
- 21
Definition
"A state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement. Freedom is personal, civil, political, and religious." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
When people are no longer grounded by morality, they begin losing their ability to make wise self-governance decisions, allowing tyrants a foothold. For example, Benjamin Franklin said that "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters" and James Madison said that "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
Sources:
https://nccs.net/blogs/articles/only-a-virtuous-people-are-capable-of-freedom
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-11-02-0062
- 22
Definition
"That which justly belongs to one." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
The majority of the Founders were abundantly clear that rights did not come from government but rather from God. For example, John Dickinson said that "We claim [rights] from a higher source - from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth. They are not annexed to us by parchments and seals. They are created in us by the decrees of Providence, which establish the laws of our nature. They are born with us; exist with us; and cannot be taken from us by any human power, without taking our lives."
Source:
https://archive.org/details/writingsofjohndi00dickrich/page/n7/mode/2up
- 23
Definition
"The same degree of dignity or claims; as the equality of men in the scale of being; the equality of nobles of the same rank; an equality of rights." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
People constantly confuse equality with equity. While equality refers to level playing fields within a particular environment, equity (in today's vernacular) means giving preferential treatment to a person within an environment to counteract real or perceived negative influences. For example, paying a man and woman who are both engineers the same rate of pay is equality; paying the woman extra because women are in the minority in STEM fields is seen as equity. However, this is not the true definition of equity (see entry on Equity).
- 24
Definition
"Justice; right. In practice, equity is the impartial distribution of justice, or the doing that to another which the laws of God and man, and of reason, give him a right to claim. It is the treating of a person according to justice and reason." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
Another way to think about how true equity is defined is the Golden Rule. We treat others the way we want to be treated, nothing more and nothing less, because that is just. While attempting to overcorrect for other people's lack of practicing the Golden Rule might seem admirable, as happens when corporations, schools, and other institutions try to compensate for minority status for example, in reality they are only harming the individual, hurting others, and damaging equality.
- 25
Definition
"The virtue which consists in giving to every one what is his due; practical conformity to the laws and to principles of rectitude [i.e. exact conformity to truth] in the dealings of men with each other." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
Perhaps James Madison said it best when he wrote that "justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit." This is in accordance with the biblical purpose of government, which is to reward the good and punish the bad (Romans 13).
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- 26
Definition
"The freedom of a nation or state from all unjust abridgment of its rights and independence by another nation." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
James Madison said that "to suppose any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without virtue in the people is a chimerical [i.e. imaginary] idea." The Founders and Framers also recognized that liberty was a gift from God, for as Thomas Jefferson put it, "The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"
Source:
https://www.usconstitution.net/founders-vision-of-virtuous-citizenry/
Thomas Jefferson: His Words and Vision https://books.google.com/books/about/Thomas_Jefferson.html?id=XvJXKjyzFtwC
- 27
Definition
"Fit or convenient time; a time favorable for the purpose; suitable time combined with other favorable circumstances. Suitableness of time is the predominant signification, but it includes generally circumstances of place and other conveniences adapted to the end desired. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know? There is a reason the United States has been known as the "Land of Opportunity" and where anyone can make their own version of the "American Dream" come true. However, it is never handed to us; we must work for what we want to achieve in life and when we do, the possbilities are endless. As Thomas Jefferson said, "It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing."
Source:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-11-02-0327
- 28
Definition
"A situation in which the laws of a country are obeyed by everyone." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
The importance of the rule of law has been recognized since the early days of our republic and is part of why the Founders chose to found the U.S. as republic rather than a democracy. For example, John Adams said that "democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security, or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives, as they have been violent in their deaths. Theoretic politicians, who have patronized this species of government, have erroneously supposed, that by reducing mankind to a perfect equality in their political rights, they would, at the same time, be perfectly equalized, and assimilated in their possessions, their opinions, and their passions."
Source:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-10-02-0178
- 29
Definition
"A political philosophy based on the belief that the individual is paramount and that government's role should be largely limited to protecting that freedom." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
Classic liberalism, which includes many of the ideals that America was founded on, is almost the polar opposite of modern liberalism. For example, classic liberalism promotes free markets, a minimal state, and personal responsibility while modern liberalism promotes a large state, some level of government involvement in the economy, and state-provided healthcare, education, and welfare.
Source:
https://politics.hubsociology.com/classical-liberalism-meaning/
- 30
Definition
"The state of being vested with the rights and privileges of a citizen." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
Citizenship comes with its own set of duties that each citizen is expected to perform. These can include voting, completing jury duty, and paying taxes, among other things.
Source:
https://facts.net/society-and-social-sciences/social-sciences/31-facts-about-citizenship/
- 31
Definition
"[Acting] without bias or influence from others; exemption from undue influence; self-direction." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
It has been argued that the Revolutionary War should be more aptly described as a War for Independence. However, while the Revolutionary War was also a War for Independence, the War of 1812 can be considered the final American War for Independence.
Source:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/two-wars-independence
- 32
Definition
"A private group of armed individuals that operates as a paramilitary force and is typically motivated by a political or religious ideology." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
In early American history, one hears of the minutemen and the milita, but what is the difference between them? The militia were citizen soldiers who volunteered to fight for independence while the minutemen were a specialized group of militia who regularly trained and were considered the best soldiers of each militia company. Therefore, contrary to popular opinion most of the men who fought in the American Revolution were militia not minutemen.
Source:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/10-facts-battles-lexington-and-concord
- 33
Definition
"Freedom from external control." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
In modern times, globalization is a threat to the sovereignty of individual countries. As the world becomes more connected, nations are becoming increasingly dependent on each other, potentially putting the individuality of self-governance at risk.
Source:
https://facts.net/philosophy-and-thinking-/philosophy/33-facts-about-sovereignty/
- 34
Definition
A form of government in which representatives are elected to represent the people, giving them the power to make laws and governmental policies within the bounds of a constitution, which serves as the definitive and regulatory document guiding their decisions so that the will and rights of the people are protected. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
A constitutional republic like the United States is a more stable form of government than a direct democracy. For example, consider the rights of the majority and minority in both a democracy and a republic. In a democratic form of government, the majority has unlimited power with no rights for the minority. In a republic, a Constitution prevents the majority from trampling on the rights of the minority while still maintaining the will of the majority to rule.
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- 35
Definition
"The powers specifically named and delegated to the federal government or prohibited to be exercised by the states under the U.S. Constitution" ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
The concept of enumerated powers comes from the 10th amendment, which says that "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This clause theoretically prevents government overreach into areas of the private sector that are outside the government's reach.
Source:
https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/
- 36
Definition
"The political powers reserved by a constitution to the exclusive jurisdiction of a specified political authority." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
One facet of the argument for why Obergefell v. Hodges was an unconstitutional ruling is because the Constitution does not claim anywhere in it that marriage laws are included in the enumerated powers of the Constitution. Therefore, drafting marriage laws are reserved powers for the states. When the Supreme Court made a ruling regarding how states must handle the homosexual marriage issue, the federal government stepped outside of their constitutional bounds by addressing an issue that already was constitutionally being dealt with by the states individually.
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- 37
Definition
"A power that is held simultaneously by more than one entity." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
While the Constitution does not specifically mention concurrent powers, it does imply they should exist. For example, one of the reasons why the Articles of Confederation failed is because it had no provisions for any concurrent powers, making it very difficult for the sovereign and independent states to work with the weak federal government. Therefore, by establishing a stronger federal government while still retaining a level of independence for the states in the Constitution the Framers made it easier for the two to work together.
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- 38
Definition
The belief that the United States of America is a unique nation in the history of humanity due to various factors such as the nature of its governing documents, values, and foundational principles. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
The reason why America is such a unique nation is because of the solid foundation its Founders built our government on. The majority of the founders and framers were strong Christians or at the very least supportive of Christian morality being incorporated into government. Therefore, it should be no surprise that this idea of American Exceptionalism is often decried as inaccurate, only to find out that the primary sources do indeed support the conclusion that America was founded on Christian principles.
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- 39
Definition
"A theory of governance in which the government only has those powers delegated to it by law, often through a written constitution. Governmental authority is prescribed and restricted by the law, and individual's rights are protected against government intrusion." ~ Ballotpedia
Did You Know?
The Founders were big proponents of limited government. For example, James Madison in the Federalist papers said that "the general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws: its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any."
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- 40
Definition
"That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound, by any natural, moral or legal obligation, to pay, do or perform." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
John Quincy Adams was a staunch advocate for ending slavery towards the end of his life, working steadily for 28 years with seemingly no progress made towards this goal. When asked once by a reporter why he continued to fight for the end of slavery when he seemed to be gaining no ground, Adams famously responded, "Duty is ours, results are God's."
Source: https://www.patriotacademy.com/duty-is-ours-results-are-gods/
- 41
Definition
A possession, typically thought of in the context of land, that is owned by an individual and not the government. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
For the Founding Fathers, owning property was so important that the idea of private property is more than likely a large part of the intent behind the phrase "pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence.
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- 42
Definition
"Love of one's country; the passion which aims to serve one's country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity. [It] is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen." ~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Did You Know?
It doesn't get anymore patriotic than the American flag! Over the almost two hundred and fifty years America has been a nation, there have been 27 different versions of the flag.
Source:
https://nationalflagfoundation.org/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-american-flag/
- 43
Definition
"Adherence to or government according to constitutional principles." ~ Merriam Webster
Did You Know?
There are five key tenets of constitutionalism, all of which America demonstrates as one of the oldest constitutionally-based nations in the world. They are: (1) rule of Law (2) Separation of Powers (3) Protection of Individual Rights (4) Accountability (5) Consent of the Governed.
Source:
https://polsci.institute/comparative-politics/understanding-constitutionalism-origins-meaning/
- 44
Definition
The belief that there is an ultimate standard of morality which does not change and is not subjective to the passage of time, differing circumstances, or individuals' feelings or cultural ideals. ~ Civics 365
Did You Know?
Martin Luther King Jr. was an advocate for moral absolutism.
Source:
https://facts.net/philosophy-and-thinking/philosophy/27-facts-about-moral-absolutism/