U.S. Constitution Vocabulary List

Flashcards for U.S. Constitution Vocabulary

Article

A section of a legal document or agreement

Constitution

A set of rules outlining what a government can and cannot do

Federalist

A person who supported Federalism and the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

Antifederalist

A person who was against the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

Compromise

A deal between two groups in which both sides give up some things they want

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can “check,” or limit, the power of the other branches

Federalism

When power is shared by the national and state governments

Republicanism

A form of government where citizens are represented by elected officials

Popular Sovereignty

When the government’s power comes from the consent of the people; if the government goes against the will of the people, then they have the right to change the government

Separation of Powers

The government is divided into branches; each branch has separate and independent powers

Limited Government

When a government’s power is restricted by laws in order to protect individual rights and liberties; these laws are written in a constitution

Term

The amount of time a position can be held; for example, a presidential term

Executive Branch

The part of a government that enforces laws

Legislative Branch

The part of a government that makes laws

Judicial Branch

The part of a government that interprets laws

Ratify

To officially approve something

Convention

A meeting where people gather together for a common purpose

Preamble

A document’s introduction that states its purpose

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution; it includes a list of citizens’ freedoms and rights as well as the limits of the government’s power

Amendment

A change or addition to a law