| A | B |
|---|
| amendment | a change to the Constitution |
| arsenal | a place where weapons and ammunition are stored |
| balance of power | a division of authority to prevent any one branch of government from forcing its will upon or controlling any other |
| bicameral | Having two lawmaking parts. Bicameral comes from Latin words meaning “two rooms.” |
| bill | a proposed law |
| Bill of Rights | The name given to the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution which limit the power of government and protect the rights of citizens |
| checks and balances | a system that allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power |
| compromise | an agreement in which both sides in a dispute agree to give up something they want in order to achieve a settlement |
| Constitution | a written document that sets forth the basic laws of a nation, state, or organization |
| delegate | a person acting as a representative of another person or group of people at a convention or conference |
| Electoral College | the group established by the Constitution to elect the president and vice-president. Voters in each state choose their electors |
| Enlightenment | the “Age of Reason” in 17th and 18th century Europe. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized using rational thought to discover truths about nature and society |
| executive branch | the branch of U.S. government responsible for ensuring that laws are executed (enforced) |
| federalism | the constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments |
| government | the individuals and/or agencies responsible for governing (leading) a city, county, state, country, or territory |
| impeach | to formally accuse an official of a crime related to official duties |
| interest group | an organization that actively promotes the views of some part of the public on specific issues |
| interstate commerce | trade and other business dealings that cross state lines |
| judicial branch | the branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and answering questions about the law |
| law | rules of conduct established and enforced by government |
| legislative branch | the branch of government responsible for making laws |
| party | an organized political group |
| popular sovereignty | the idea that the authority of government comes from the people |
| preamble | an introduction that gives the reasons for the parts to follow |
| ratify | to formally approve a plan or an agreement. The process of approval is called ratification |
| republic | a country governed by elected representatives |
| self-incrimination | he act of giving testimony that can be used against oneself |
| territory | a region designated by Congress and organized under a governor. A territory may apply to become a state when it has a large enough population |
| veto | To reject a proposed law or a bill. Only the president can veto bills |
| warrant | an order from a judge that authorizes police or other officials to take a certain action |
