| A | B |
|---|
| preamble | a prelinminary statement that explains the purpose of a formal document |
| constitution | a document prescribing the structure, functions, and limits of goverrnment |
| legislature | group of lawmakers, otherwise known as congress |
| congress | group of lawmakes, otherwise known as the legislature |
| separation of powers | division of powers among the the government branches |
| legislative branch | lawmaking branch of government |
| judicial branch | interprets laws and settles disputes |
| executive branch | carries out the laws |
| checks and balances | system to insure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful |
| amendments | additions or changes to the constitution |
| judicial review | process of determining if a law or action is constitutional |
| bill of rights | first ten amendments to the constitution |
