| Term | Definition |
| federalism | A form of government in which powers are divided between the federal, or national, government and the states. |
| Great Compromise | Agreement providing a dual system of congressional representation. |
| Constitutional Convention | Meeting of state delegates in 1787 leading to adoption of the New Constitution. |
| Federalists | Supporters of the Constitution. |
| Confederation | Group of individuals or state governments. |
| Constitution | A detailed, written plan for government. |
| Legislative Branch | The lawmaking branch of the government. |
| Preamble | The opening section of the constitution. |
| Reserved Powers | Powers that the constitution does not give to the national government that are kept by the states. |
| Amendment | Any change in the constitution |
| Concurrent Powers | Powers shared by the state and federal governments |
| Rule of Law | Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern. |
| Executive Branch | Branch of government that carries out laws. |
| Ratify | To vote approval of. |
| Judicial Branch | Branch of government that interprets laws. |
| Anti-Fderalists | Those who appose the ratification of the constitution. |
| Bicameral | A legislature consisting of two parts or houses. |
| Checks and Balances | A system in which each branch of government is able to check, or restrain the power of the others. |
| Expressed Powers | Powers that congress has that are specifically listen in the Constitution. |
| Electoral College | A group of people named by each state legislature to select the President and Vice President. |
| Separation of Powers | The split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. |
| Three-Fifths Compromise | Agreement providing that enslaved persons would count as 3/5 of other persons in determining representation in congress. |
| Popular Soveriegnty | The notion that power lies with the people |
