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Civics Lesson 3
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Constitution | A detailed, written plan for government |
Bicameral | A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses |
Confederation | A group of individuals or state governments |
Ratify | To vote for approval |
Constitutional Convention | Meeting of state delegates in 1787 leading to the adoption of a new Constitution |
Great Compromise | Agreement providing a dual system of congressional representation |
Three Fifths Compromise | Agreement providing that enslaved persons would count as three fifths of other persons in determining representation in Congress |
Electoral College | A group of people who are named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president |
Federalist | Supporters of the Constitution |
Federalism | A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states |
Anti Federalists | Those who have opposed the ratification of the Constitution |
Preamble | The opening section of the Constitution |
Legislative Branch | The lawmaking branch of government |
Executive Branch | The branch of government that carries out laws |
Judicial Branch | The branch of government that interprets laws |
Amendment | Any change to the Constitution |
Popular Sovereignty | Government that is completely controlled by the people |
Rule of Law | Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern |
Separation of Powers | The split of authority among executive, legislative, and judicial branches |
Check and Balances | A system in which each branch of government is able to check, or restrain, the power of others |
Expressed Powers | Powers that congress has that are specifically listed on the Constitution |
Reserved Powers | Powers that are not given to the National Government that are kept by the state |
Concurrent Powers | Powers shared by the state and federal governments |