| A | B |
|---|
| Confederation | A union of states in which each member state retains some independent control over internal and external affairs. |
| Constitution | The fundamental law, written or unwritten, that extablishes the character of a government by defining the basic principles to which a society must conform; by describing the organization of the government and regulation, distribution, and limitations on the functions of different government departments; and by prescribing the extent and manner of the exercise of its sovereign powers. |
| Ratification | Process of approving the Constitution. |
| Compromise | an agreement between opposing parties to settle a dispute or reach a settlement in which each gives some ground, rather than continue the dispute. |
| Principle | A basic truth, law or assumption. |
| Legislative Branch | law making body. |
| Executive Branch | Branch of the government that executes or enforces the laws. |
| Judicial Branch | Branch of the government that interprets the laws |
| Amendment | Change to the Constitution after following the formal process. |
