Key Vocabulary From U.S. Government and Constitutional Principles

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to U.S. government principles and historical events.

bicameral legislature

A lawmaking body composed of two separate chambers or houses.

republic

A form of government where supreme power resides with the citizens, who exercise it through elected representatives.

compromise

An agreement or settlement of a dispute reached by each side making concessions.

federalism

A system of government that divides and shares power between a national government and regional governments.

ratify

To sign or give formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid.

amendment

A formal change or addition to the U.S. Constitution designed to update or improve it.

enumerated powers

Specific listed authorities granted primarily to Congress.

reserved powers

All authority not explicitly granted to the federal government, retained by the states or the people.

concurrent powers

Authorities shared by both federal and state governments in the U.S. system.

implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution but necessary for the federal government to carry out its enumerated powers.

judicial review

The power of courts to review government actions.

impeach

To formally accuse a public official of wrongdoing, initiating a process that can lead to removal from office.

due process of law

The government must give people a chance to defend themselves in a fair hearing.

preamble

An introductory statement explaining a document's purpose, goals, and underlying principles.

domestic tranquility

Establishing peace, order, and harmony within a nation's borders.

popular sovereignty

The principle that a government's legitimacy and power are created by the consent of its people.

the Enlightenment

A movement gaining understanding and knowledge through reason and questioning tradition.

John Locke

An English philosopher known as the 'father of liberalism' and an influential Enlightenment thinker.

Baron de Montesquieu

A French political philosopher known for the theory of separation of powers.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, creating a 'league of friendship' among states.

James Madison

A Founding Father and the 'Father of the Constitution' for his role in drafting it.

The Great Compromise

An agreement establishing a bicameral legislature to resolve representation disputes.

3/5’s Compromise

An agreement determining that enslaved people would be partially counted for representation and taxation.

legislative branch

The branch of government responsible for making, debating, and passing federal laws.

executive branch

The branch that enforces federal laws and manages daily government operations.

judicial branch

The branch that interprets laws and determines their constitutionality.

Electoral College

The constitutional process used to elect the U.S. President and Vice President.

Northwest Ordinance

Created the Northwest Territory, the first organized U.S. territory.

Federalist Papers

A collection of essays written to persuade New York voters to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist Party

Founded to promote a strong national government and industrialization.

Anti-Federalist Party

A political party championing states' rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.