The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Gerrymandering is the act of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral district, so as to give one political party more election districts than the other party and, as a result, more votes. Gerrymandering can also be used to help or hurt a demographic in particular, such as the elderly, or the poor. While the process is technically illegal, it is […]
Read moreDelegated powers are government powers specifically outlined in the U.S. Constitution. These powers limit what Congress can do, and also define what Congress is in charge of regulating. Delegated powers are those authorities that the Constitutional framers deemed worthy of Congressional effort and which the framers believed would not limit personal freedoms of individuals. The U.S. Constitution, which is both […]
Read moreThe U.S. Constitution gives the American President authority to create laws, or decide how an existing law should be carried out, through the use of executive orders. Because executive orders do not require congressional approval, the President can set important policy while sidestepping public debate. Executive orders may be used for a broad range of issues, from environmental conservation and […]
Read moreA filibuster is an action that a senator or a group of senators can take to block or delay passage of a bill or law. Such a bill or law is typically favored by the majority and is one that it is expected will pass. The most common filibuster tactic is a significantly long speech that can go on for […]
Read moreThe term domestic policy refers to the decisions made by a government regarding issues and activities that occur within the country. This term encompasses all of the laws, planning, and actions of the government which concern internal issues that affect the entire country. Many domestic policies are devised by the federal government, though many are developed through the combined efforts […]
Read moreAlthough the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made racial segregation illegal in the United States, the practice of segregation continued. This practice of separating minorities, especially black Americans, from whites was labeled de facto segregation, and commonly occurred in schools, though such public places as diners, beaches, and others remained segregated. To explore this concept, consider the following de facto […]
Read more“Corrupt” is a word that may be used to describe something that is tainted, decayed, or putrid. It also describes a person who is debased in character, lacking in character, or dishonest. The term corruption is commonly used in modern society to refer to unethical or dishonest behaviors undertaken by someone who has been entrusted with authority. Such people may […]
Read moreA constitution is a set of standards or principles by which an organization, such as a government, is to be governed. Such a collection of principles is established in a written document, which may apply to any organization from a corporation or non-profit organization, to a government. A governmental constitution is a social code, which declares the character of the […]
Read moreA confederation is a union or coalition of people, or of separate states or nations, which have joined together for a common cause. The states of the South banded together into a confederation at the time of the U.S. Civil War, providing a historic example of confederation for generations to follow. Modern times see confederations of nations, created by treaties […]
Read moreThe term censorship refers to the suppression, banning, or deletion of speech, writing, or images that are considered to be indecent, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Censorship becomes a civil rights issue when a government or other entity with authority, suppresses ideas, or the expression of ideas, information, and self. In the U.S., censorship has been debated for decades, as some […]
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