Constitution
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society
Preamble
Introduction to the Constitution
Popualr Sovereignty
power to the people
Amendment
A change in, or addition to, a constitution or law
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments to the Constitution
Separation of Powers
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law
Federalism
a form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states
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
Legislative Branch
the branch of government that makes the laws
Executive Branch
the branch of government that carries out laws
Judicial Branch
the branch of government that interprets laws
Republicanism
A form of government in which people elect representatives to create and enforce laws
Limited Government
The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.
delegate
A person appointed or elected to represent others
Federalists
supporters of the Constitution
Anti-Federalists
people who opposed the Constitution