Anti-Federalist: A member of the group that opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Articles of Confederation: First constitution of the United States (1781). The Articles o... Anti-Federalist: A member of the group that opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Articles of Confederation: First constitution of the United States (1781). The Articles of Confederation created a weak national government and was replaced in 1789 by the Constitution of the United States. Bicameral: A legislature composed of two legislative chambers (i.e., U.S. Congress). Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments of the United States Constitution. The Bill of Rights is a list of the rights and privileges guaranteed to the American people that cannot be violated by the government. Checks & Balances: Constitutional design that authorizes each branch of government to share powers with the other branches and thereby ‘check’ their activities. For example, the president may veto legislation passed by Congress; the Senate must confirm major executive appointments; and the courts may declare acts of Congress unconstitutional. Concurrent Powers: A power held by two or more levels of government (Federal, State, Local). Example, the power to make laws. Constitution: A plan that provides the rules for government. Delegated Powers: Powers granted by the Constitution to only one level or branch of government. Exclusive Powers: Powers granted by the Constitution to only one level or branch of government. Federalist: A member of the group that supported adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Federal Government: The national level of government for the United States. Federal Supremacy: Holding the greatest power or authority. Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between the national government and state governments. Impressment: The act of seizing a person for service to a government. (Ex. The British impressed American sailors into the British Navy). Judicial Review: A doctrine that permits the Federal courts to declare unconstitutional acts of Congress, the President, and state governments. The precedent for Judicial Review was established in the 1803 case of Marbury v. Madison. Nationalism: A strong sense of national pride and celebrating one’s own nation above all other nations. Precedent: Something that is done or said that serves as an example or rule that others follow from that point forward. Popular Sovereignty: The right of the people to govern themselves, either directly or through representatives. Preamble: A statement at the beginning of the Constitution that explains the purposes and goals of government. Representative Democracy: A form of democracy in which people elect representatives and give them the responsibility and power to make laws and conduct government. Rule of Law: The principle in which the law applies to government officials as much as to ordinary citizens. Read more