U.S. Constitution Vocabulary

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Article

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A section of a legal document or agreement

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Constitution

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A set of rules outlining what a government can and cannot do

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Federalist

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A person who supported Federalism and the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

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Antifederalist

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A person who was against the adoption of the U.S. Constitution

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Compromise

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A deal between two groups in which both sides give up some things they want

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Checks and Balances

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Each branch of government can “check,” or limit, the power of the other branches

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Federalism

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When power is shared by the national and state governments

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Republicanism

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A form of government where citizens are represented by elected officials

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Popular Sovereignty

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When the government’s power comes from the consent of the people

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Separation of Powers

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The government is divided into branches; each branch has separate and independent powers