A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
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limited government
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A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
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supremacy clause
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Ntional law supersedes all other laws passed by states (Art VI)
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preponderance of evidance
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The standard of proof in a civil case in which a judge or jury must believe the plaintiff's story and evidence is stronger than the defendant's version.
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criminal laws
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Laws prohibiting behavior the government has determined to be harmful to society; violation of a criminal law is called a crime
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plaintiff
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A person or party filing a lawsuit
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checks and balances
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A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
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civil action
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a noncriminal lawsuit, brought to enforce a right or redress a wrong
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defendant
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an individual or group being sued or charged with a crime
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separation of powers
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The principle of dividing governmental powers among different branches of government to protect against tyranny (Federalist 51).
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beyond a reasonable doubt
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The standard of proof required in a criminal trial
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unconstitutional
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Not allowed under the constitution
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veto
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Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature
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human rights
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the basic rights to which all people are entitled as human beings
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prosecuter
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the person who does the accusing in a criminal trial, speaking on behalf of the government.