Government Vocabulary Review Ms. C's version (copy)

Just Vocabulary (not whole unit yet)

proportional

corresponding in size - # of electors each state has is related to population. More people = more representatives

republic

A form of government in which the PEOPLE VOTE for representatives to govern them and make laws. “And to the REPUBLIC” for which it stands….”

compromise

a settlement of a disagreement in which each side gives up something = to meet in the middle

petition

A formal request - to apply for something.

(collect peoples’ signatures to get a change made)

depreciate

to reduce in price or value

bicameral

A legislature consisting of two parts, or 2-houses

(Senate and the House = Congress)

Federalist

A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution and strong NATIONAL/FEDERAL government

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments. (National is more powerful than the States)

amendment

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

(We have 27 now)

Enlightenment

Period of time in the 1700s, when people focused on studying science and new learning.

manumission

A grant of legal freedom to an individual slave.

“Man, you are on a mission….GO FREE!”

constitution

A plan of government;

The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation

US Constitution

"The supreme law of the land." Outlines structure & power of 3 branches of national government. Written to replace Articles of Confederation and create stronger central government.

depression

A long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment

ordinance

a local law; (Ex: wear helmets on bikes in Yorktown, or no vape shops allowed near schools)

ratify

To approve

legislative branch

Branch of government that MAKES the laws = Article I of the Constitution; “LM”

executive branch

Article II - Enforces or carries out laws - “EE” (Ex: Military, police)

judicial branch

Interprets the laws - Article III - “IJ” - Judges interpret the laws to determine punishments, if any.

Electoral College

A group of people named by each state legislature to electthe president and vice president - based on population of state. (more people in your state, then more electors)

article

section of the Constitution - piece of...

There are 7 Articles in the Constitution

checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power (Ex: The President vetos a bill)

Articles of Confederation

1st attempt as a Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses: executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)= FAILURE

President

Head of Executive Branch at National Level = Donald Trump

Vice President is JD Vance

Congress

Head of Legislative Branch at National Level = made up of 2 house (The Senate and The House of Representatives) = they make our laws

Supreme Court

Head of Judicial Branch at National Level = Hightest Court in US; 9 judges

confederacy

weak alliance of states; loosely tied groups

federal

national

Kathy Hochul

Head of NYS Executive Branch - Governor at the state level

US Senate

known as “Upper House” in Congress

9

# of members of US Supreme Court ( to avoid a tie)

Chief Justice

title of leader of Supreme Court - John Roberts

Charles “Chuck” Schumer

senior US Senator from NY

Kirsten Gillibrand

junior US Senator from NY

Bill of Rights

created to gain support of anti-Federalists; guaranteed rights of individuals = First TEN AMENDMENTS; Added AFTER the Constitutional Convention;

President of the Constitutional Convention

George Washington