political science

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual states.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Commerce Clause

A clause in the Constitution giving Congress the power to regulate trade between states and with foreign nations.

Representative democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct democracy

A form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Monarchy

A form of government where a single person, the monarch, rules over the state.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which power rests with a small number of people.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak federal government.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting held in 1787 to create a new constitution for the United States.

Constitution

The fundamental legal document that outlines the structure and functions of government.

Amendments

Changes or additions made to the Constitution.

Electoral College

The body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch some measure of influence over the other branches.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties.

Anarchy

A state of society without government or law.

Presidency

The office held by the President of the United States, overseeing the executive branch.

Declaration of Independence

The document adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring the colonies' independence from British rule.

Legislature

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

American Revolution

The conflict between American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783, leading to independence.