| A | B |
|---|
| Articles of Confederation | The first written plan of government for the United States. |
| 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 the 17th & 18th century Europe. |
| republic | a country governed by elected representatives. |
| constitution | a written plan that provides the basic framework of a government. |
| compromise | an agreement in which both sides in a dispute agree to 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 arrangement. |
| popular sovereignty | the idea that the authority of government comes from the people |
| legislative branch | The lawmaking part of government, called the legislature. To legislate is to make a law. |
| bicameral | Having two lawmaking parts (two rooms or houses). |
| bill | a proposed law |
| veto | To reject a proposed law or a bill. Only the president can veto bills. |
| executive branch | the part of government that "executes" (carries out) the laws |
| impeach | to formally accuse an official of a crime related to official duties |
| judicial branch | the part of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, that interprets the laws |
| checks & balances | the system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches |
| amendment | a change to the Constitution |
| interstate commerce | trade and other business dealings that cross state lines |
| federalism | the constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments |
| party | an organized political group |
| interest group | an organization that actively promotes the views of some part of the public on specific issues |
| Bill of Rights | a formal listing of the basic rights of citizens |
| warrant | an order from a judge that authorizes police or other officials to take a certain action, such as searching someone's property |
| self-incrimination | the act of giving testimony that can be used against oneself |
| defendants | people who are required to defend themselves in a legal action |
| inauguration | a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of something, such as a president's term in office |
| aliens | people who have come from other countries and are not yet citizens |
| sedition | the crime of encouraging rebellion against the government |
| nullify | To refuse to recognize a federal law. |
| state's rights | All rights kept by the states under the Constitution. |
