| A | B |
|---|
| Preamble | Introduction to the constitution |
| articles | seven numbered sections of the Constitutio |
| constitutionalism | Governments obedience to the law |
| rule of law | way of saying limited government. |
| separation of powers | three branches have distinct powers |
| checks and balances | tying together of the three branches of government |
| veto | the power to reject a law, bill |
| judicial review | courts power to determine correctness of government actions |
| unconstitutional | not legitimate according to the Constitution |
| federalism | division of power among central government and several regional governments |
| amendment | changes |
| formal amendment | changes that become part of the written language of the Constitution |
| Bill of Rights | first 10 amendments of the Constitution |
| informal amendment | constitutional changes not visible |
| executive agreement | pact made by president and another head of a foreign state |
| treaty | formal agreement between two or more sovereign states |
| electoral college | group making formal selection of the president |
| Cabinet | advisory body to the president |
| senatorial courtesy | unwritten rule accepting presidential appointments |
