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Unit 1.2 Vocab
Constitutional Convention vocabulary terms
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Republic | a country governed by elected representatives |
Constitution | a written plan that provides the basic framework of a government |
Limited Government | The powers of the government determined by the Constitution and the people. Also known as restricted powers. |
U.S. Constitution | the governing document of the United States, sets out the rules and principles of the government; the supreme law of the land |
Popular Soveriegnty | the power of government comes from the people |
Federalism | the power of the government is divided between the states and the federal government |
Bicameral | latin for "two houses" |
Legislative Branch | creates laws, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives |
Congress | the combined legislature made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives |
Senate | the upper house of the legislative branch |
House of Representatives | the lower house of the legislative branch |
Executive Branch | Enforces the laws |
Judicial Branch | Interprets the laws |
Ratify | To formally approve a plan or an agreement. The process of approval is called ratification |
Federalists | Led by James Madison, supporters of the Constitution who argued FOR ratification |
Anti-Federalists | Led by Samuel Adams, opponents of the Constitution who argued AGAINST ratification because it did not protect the rights of the people. |
Bill of Rights | List of rights of the people and restrictions on the power of government. |