Constitution Vocabulary

Federalism

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

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional

Impeach

To accuse a government official of misconduct in office

Veto

To reject a bill and prevent it from becoming a law

Amend

To add to or change the Constitution

Executive Branch

The branch that makes sure laws are followed; led by the President

Judicial Branch

The branch that explains what the laws mean and how they apply in specific cases; led by the Supreme Court

Legislative Branch

The branch that makes new laws; led by Congress

Habeas Corpus

Constitutional protection against unlawful imprisonment

Ex Post Facto

A law that would allow a person to be punished for an action that was not against the law when it was committed

Extradition

A legal process whereby a state surrenders a person charged with a crime to the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States

Great Compromise

The agreement at the Constitutional Convention which created two houses of Congress

Inflation

A rise in prices due to a drop in the value of money

Shays’ Rebellion

The event that led to the Constitutional Convention

Separation of Powers

A system in which powers are divided between different branches of government

Cabinet

The secretaries of the executive branch departments that advise the president

Ratify

To officially approve