The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The term civil rights refers to the basic rights afforded, by laws of the government, to every person, regardless of race, nationality, color, gender, age, religion, or disability. This refers to such rights as equal citizenship, equal protection under the law, and due process. Civil rights differ subtly from civil liberties, in that they deal with rights granted by the […]
Read moreCivil liberties are freedoms due every individual, just based on the fact that they are human beings. The Declaration of Independence asserts the creed of the American people, as it declares that all men are endowed with certain inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Civil liberties are not gifted by governmental action, as they are […]
Read moreChecks and balances is a system for making sure that one department does not exceed its bounds, or for guarding against fraud and errors. In the U.S. government, the system of checks and balances is set to be a sentry over the separation of powers, balancing the separate branches of government. In a system of checks and balances, the authority […]
Read moreCategorical grants are the primary source of federal assistance to local and state governments, and other entities. These grants are issued for a specific purpose, and can only be used for that explicitly defined objective. The government may issue categorical grants on a per-project basis, or based on a formula of purpose and financial need. States are never required to […]
Read moreThe term bureaucracy refers to a system of administration that relies heavily on policies, procedures, and rules, as well as a specific hierarchical system. Bureaucratic systems are most common in large corporate environments, and in government agencies and social systems. The purpose of bureaucracy is to impose structure where there would surely be chaos in an unwieldy system. To explore […]
Read moreWhen the nation was newly formed, and the Constitution penned, the opinion of the people was divided somewhat. Most people praised the Constitution as a binding document that laid out the rules and limitations of the new government. Others, however, felt it gave too much power to the federal government, and that it could possibly swallow up the individual states. […]
Read moreAt the dawn of the 20th century, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt assumed the Presidency, following the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt advocated for peace, but believed staunchly in protecting the nation’s interests and safety. Roosevelt borrowed a proverb from old Africa when he voiced the nation’s strategy in foreign policy should be to “speak softly and carry a big stick.” […]
Read moreAutocracy is a form of government in which absolute control lies in the hands of a single person, or of a tightly held group of people. Under autocratic law, the ruler has unlimited and undisputed power. The most recent forms of autocracy practiced by some nations include absolute monarchies and dictatorships. To explore this concept, consider the following autocracy definition. […]
Read moreThe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) was signed into law, filling gaps in existing civil rights law. The ADA goes beyond the protections afforded by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, religion, and other personal characteristics. The ADA also requires certain locales and entities to make their facilities accessible […]
Read moreAnarchy is commonly associated with a philosophy of social freedom, through a state of chaos and an absence of social structure. The ideology of anarchism holds a fundamental belief that governmental authority is oppressive, and should be eliminated, allowing people to engage in social cooperation voluntarily. This philosophy is based on the premise that man is the best judge of […]
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