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Study Guide Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States, which was ratified in 1781. Confederation: A loose alliance of independent states. Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itsel...

Study Guide Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States, which was ratified in 1781. Confederation: A loose alliance of independent states. Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself. Central Government: A government that has authority over a group of states or other political units. State Government: A government that has authority over a specific geographic area. Legislative Branch: The part of a government that makes laws. Executive Branch: The part of a government that enforces laws. Judicial Branch: The part of a government that interprets laws. Unicameral Legislature: A legislature with only one chamber. Bicameral Legislature: A legislature with two chambers. Continental Congress: The governing body of the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. Constitution Ratification: The official approval of a document, such as a constitution. Federalist: A supporter of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Anti-Federalist: An opponent of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Constitution: A document outlining the structure, powers, and duties of a government. Preamble: The introductory statement of a document, often outlining its purpose. Articles: The main divisions of a constitution. Amendments: Changes or additions to a constitution. Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and state governments. Checks and Balances: A system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.  Study Guide Legislative Branch: The branch of government responsible for making laws. Executive Branch: The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws. Judicial Branch: The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws. Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which protect individual rights and liberties. Amendment Process: The process for changing the U.S. Constitution. Bill of Rights First Amendment: Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Second Amendment: Guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. Third Amendment: Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime. Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Fifth Amendment: Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Sixth Amendment: Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by a jury of one's peers. Seventh Amendment: Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases. Eighth Amendment: Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Ninth Amendment: Protects rights not explicitly listed in the Constitution. Tenth Amendment: Reserves powers not granted to the federal government to the states or to the people.