Unit #4: THe U.S. Constitution

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Preamble

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the first part of a formal document as with the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution

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Article

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a smaller portion of a larger document that deals with a specific topic/subject

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Checks and Balances

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a system set up in the Constitution where each branch of the government has some control of the other branches to prevent one branch from being too powerful

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Amendment

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A change in, or addition to, a document or a constitution

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Federalism

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A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

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Liberty

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freedom from government control; the rights of the people to live as they choose within established guidelines

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Popular Sovereignty

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A belief that ultimate power resides in the people; the people are the ultimate source of the government's power

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Representative Democracy

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A system of government in which citizens elect representatives, or leaders, to make decisions about the laws for all the people.

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Direct Democracy

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A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives; a form of democracy in which the people rule firsthand

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Electoral College

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The body of electors in each state who formally elect the United States president and vice-president