Unit 4-History-US Constitution

Amendment

A change in, or addition to, a constitution or law

Anti

Federalists

bill

a proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration

Cabinet

A group of advisers to the president.

Checks and Balances

used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch

Citizen

a legal member of a country

concurrent powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

Constitution

A written plan of government

Due process of law

fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

Electoral College

A group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president

Enumerated Powers

Powers given to the national government alone

Federalism

a form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states

Federalist

supporters of the Constitution

Impeach

To accuse government officials of misconduct in office

implied power

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution

Infringe

to violate, trespass, go beyond recognized bounds

Judical Review

the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional

Popular Sovereignty

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

Preamble

Introduction to the Constitution

Republicanism

A form of government in which people elect representatives to create and enforce laws

Reserved powers

Powers given to the state government alone

seperation of powers

dividing the powers of government among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches

Suffrage

the right to vote

Unconstitutional

Contrary to what is permitted by the constitution

Veto

to reject