Civics Chapter 3 Vocab

Constitution

the written plan that explains how the government works

Ratification

official approval of a document or law

ratify

to officially approve a law or constitution

preamble

the introduction to the U.S. Constitution, stating its purpose

Articles

the main sections of the Constitution that establish the structure and powers of government

amendment

a formal change or addition to the Constitution after its initial ratification. these can be found at the end of the Constitution

Bill of Rights

the first 10 amendments that protect citizens’ freedoms

popular sovereignty

power belongs to the people

limited government

government has only the powers the Constitution gives it

separation of powers

government is divided into three branches to prevent abuse of power

checks and balances

each branch can control or limit the other to keep balance

federalism

a system where power is divided between national and state government

republicanism

people elect representatives to make government decisions

individual rights

people have personal freedoms protected by the government

federal

relating to the national government

exclusive power

powers held only by one level of government (national or state)

concurrent power

powers shared by both national and state governments

enumerated powers

powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to Congress

impeachment

the process by which a government official can be charged and possibly removed from office for wrongdoing

civil liberties

fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government overreach

civil rights

protections against discrimination and ensure equal access to opportunities and benefits provided by the government and society