Civic Participation Glossary

 

Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. These ten amendments protect the individual liberties of Americans.

 

citizen: A member of a political society who owes allegiance to the government. Citizens are entitled to rights and protections from their government.

 

civic participation: The act of becoming involved in the political process ¾ staying informed, voting, staying in touch with elected representatives, and working to better the community.

 

Congress: The legislative branch of the Federal Government. Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

 

constituents: A group of residents represented by an elected official.

 

district: The geographical area in a state represented by a House member. Within a state, congressional districts are drawn so that each has an average of about 650,000 citizens.

 

election: During an election people vote for the candidate they want to become an elected official, or for submitted propositions.

 

government: Different nations have different kinds of governments but all governments have some system of leadership and laws. Governments make, enforce, and interpret laws. Governments also look out for the general welfare of the people and manage conflicts.

 

interest group: A group of individuals who share some common goals and try to influence public policy to meet these goals. Also called “special interest group.”

 

legislator: An elected person who represents citizens in Congress and helps make laws.

 

political party: An organization that seeks to gain control of government by organizing people who share the same views on issues and by running candidates for public office.

 

public policy: A decision or action of government that addresses problems and issues.

 

representative democracy: In a representative democracy, citizens choose a small number of people to represent their interests and negotiate differences on their behalf.

 

vote: To formally show support for a proposal, measure, or candidate for office.

 

voter registration: An official act of registering one's name in the list of qualified voters.