US Government and Constitution Terms

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Ratify

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To formally approve or confirm a decision or treaty.

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Federalist

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A supporter of a strong central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

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Anti-Federalist

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An individual who opposed the creation of a stronger U.S. federal government and the ratification of the Constitution in 1788.

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Bicameral

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A legislative body having two branches or chambers.

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Preamble

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The introductory statement to the U.S. Constitution that outlines the reasons for the document and the goals of the government.

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Congress

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The national legislative body of the U.S., consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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Implied

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Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are assumed to exist due to their being necessary to implement the expressed powers.

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Expressed

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Powers directly stated in the Constitution.

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Reserved

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Powers that are not granted to the federal government by the Constitution, and are therefore reserved for the states.

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Delegated

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Powers specifically assigned to the federal government by the Constitution.