Understanding Key Constitutional Terms

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Confederation

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A political union of several people, groups, or states working together as a single organization.

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Constitution

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Written rules and principles under which a government is run

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Ratified

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The giving of a formal approval.

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Amendment

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An addition or change to a formal document, such as the Constitution.

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Bicameral

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Consisting of two houses in the legislature.

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Republic

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A government in which citizens rule through elected representatives.

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Compromise

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An agreement between two or more sides in which each side gives up some of what it wants.

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Federalism

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The sharing of power between the federal and state governments.

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Checks and Balances

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A system which ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

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Unconstitutional

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Not agreeing or consistent with the supreme law of the land (Constitution).