history vocab - set 2

Articles of Confederation

a written agreement ratified in 1781 by the thirteen original states; it provided a legal symbol of their union by giving the central government no coercive power over the states or their citizens

Continental Congress

the legislative assembly composed of delegates from the rebel colonies who met during and after the American Revolution; they issued the Declaration of Independence and framed Articles of Confederation

Magna Carta

the royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English barons by King John in 1215

Constitution

the act of forming or establishing something

Ratify

approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation.

Ratification

making something valid by formally confirming it.

Legislative branch

the part of the United States government that makes laws.

Executive branch

part of U.S. government responsible for carrying out laws.
The executive branch of the government includes the president and the departments that help run the government.

Judicial branch

part of the United States government administering justice.

Amendment

a statement that is added to a proposal or document.

Bill of Rights

a statement of fundamental freedoms and privileges (the first ten amendments to the constitution (written during the ratification process of the Constitution and passed in 1791)).

Bill

a statute in draft before it becomes law

Veto

a vote that blocks a decision