ESL USH Set: The Constitution

Constitution

the document that describes how the US government will run; the highest law in the USA

unconstitutional

not allowed under the constitution

branch

a section or part of something

Separation of Powers

the division of power among the 3 branches of government

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

veto

to reject or say "no" to a suggested law

impeach

to formally accuse a public official of bad behavior while in office

appoint

to choose somebody for an office or position.

amend

to change for the better

amendment

a change to the Constitution

ratify

to sign or approve something into law

supremacy

the state of having the most power

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

guarantee

to promise

Civil Liberties

freedoms to think and act without fear of unfair legal treatment

bear

to have ("right to bear arms")

arms

weapons, guns

trial

The court process to determine whether someone committed a crime

jury

A group of citizens who listen to a case in court and decide innocence or guilt