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Understanding American Government: Key Terms and Concepts

This guide provides essential vocabulary for understanding the foundations of American government, including the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and key principles such as federalism, popular sovereignty, and checks and balances. Learn about the roles of different government branches, the importance of compromise in legislation, and civic duties like suffrage. Whether you're studying for a civics exam or looking to deepen your knowledge of democratic principles, this vocabulary list serves as a valuable resource.

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Understanding American Government: Key Terms and Concepts

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  1. Vocabulary Day One • Articles of Confederation- Create a “firm league of friendship” in which each state kept its freedom and independence. • Republic- A country governed by elected representatives. • Constitution- A written plan that provides the basic framework of a government. • Compromise- Agreement in which both sides in a dispute agree to give up something to achieve a settlement. • Ratify- Official approval or confirmation.

  2. Vocabulary Day Two • Checks and Balances- Ability of each branch of government to exercise check, or control, over other branches. • Popular Sovereignty- A government in which the people rule and vote to decide an issue. • Federalism- Form of government where power is shared among the central government and the states. • Bicameral- Having 2 branches of a legislative government. • Veto- The right to cancel or postpone decisions.

  3. Vocabulary Day Three • Impeachment- Process of accusing a public official of a wrongdoing. • Judicial Branch- Interprets the law. Supreme court and other federal courts. Highest court in the nation. • Executive Branch- Enforce the laws. President and Vice President. • Legislative Branch- Make laws. House of Representative and the Senate (Bi-cameral, or two parts) • House and Senate- Make laws.

  4. Vocabulary Day Four • Congress- Part of the legislative branch. Contains the House and Senate. • Democracy- A type of government by the people, for the people. • Great Compromise- Agreement to establish a two-house national legislature, with all states having representation based on equality and population. • 3/5 Compromise- • Amendment- The process of being able to change something in regards to the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

  5. Vocabulary Day Five • Civic Duty- knowing your rights, following through with those rights, and being active in the community. • Suffrage- The right to vote.

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