Tackling the Constitution

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Constitution

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A document that provides the basic principles and laws of a country, the structure and duties of its government, and the rights of its people.

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Supreme Court

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The highest court in the United States, which makes decisions about constitutional laws and how they should be applied.

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Articles of Confederation

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The first government of the United States.

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Constitutional Convention

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A formal meeting of delegates from the states in 1787 for the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation to create a new constitution.

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Executive Branch

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The branch of the U.S. government led by the President that enforces laws, spends money allocated by Congress, declares emergencies, and appoints Supreme Court judges.

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Judicial Branch

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The branch of the U.S. government that interprets laws and determines their constitutionality, overturning laws that are unconstitutional.

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Legislative Branch

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The branch of the U.S. government, consisting of federal officials elected for each state, that writes and votes on U.S. laws, controls money, has the power to declare war, and supervises the executive branch.

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Preamble

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The introduction to the Constitution, which states its guiding principles and beliefs.

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Amendment

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A change or addition to the Constitution.

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Anti-Federalists

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People who did not want a centralized government or a U.S. Constitution.