| A | B |
|---|
| territory | a region designated by Congress and organized under a governor. |
| arsenal | a place where weapons and ammunition are stored. |
| Enlightenment | the "Age of Reason" in 17th and 18th century Europe. |
| republic | a country governed by elected representatives. |
| constitution | a written plan that provides the basic framework of government. |
| compromise | an agreement in which both sides give up something they want in order to achieve a settlement. |
| Electoral College | the group established by the Constitution to elect the president and vice-president. |
| ratify | to formally approve a plan or agreement. |
| popular sovereignty | the idea that the authority of government comes from the people. |
| legislative branch | the lawmaking part of government. |
| bicameral | having two lawmaking parts, from Latin meaning "two rooms." |
| bill | a proposed law. |
| veto | to reject a proposed law - only the president can do this. |
| executive branch | the part of government that "executes" (carries out or enforces) the laws. |
| impeach | to formally accuse an official of a crime related to official duties. |
| judicial branch | the part of government that interprets the laws. |
| checks and balances | the system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches. |
| amendment | a change to the Constitution. |
| federalism | the constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments. |
| party | an organized political group |
