"A More Perfect Union" Vocabulary
Across
- 2. A system where the number of representatives in a legislative body is based on the population of each state or region. (2 words, no spaces)
- 5. “__________ Plan” A proposal made during the Constitutional Convention that called for each state to have one vote in Congress, regardless of its population, favoring smaller states. (2 words, no spaces)
- 10. Another name for the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the US Constitution was written. (2 words, no spaces)
- 15. A group of states or nations that come together for a common purpose, while retaining their independence. The US was initially a confederation under the Articles of Confederation.
- 16. The official approval of a document, like the Constitution, by the states or other governing bodies.
- 18. “__________ Process” The method by which changes or additions can be made to the Constitution. It requires approval from a large majority of Congress and the states.
- 20. A system of government where power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments.
- 21. “__________ Compromise” An agreement made during the Constitutional Convention that created a two-house legislature, with the Senate giving equal representation to each state and the House of Representatives based on population.
- 23. A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the US Constitution. (2 words, no spaces)
Down
- 1. The branch of government responsible for making laws. In the US, Congress is the national legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- 3. A small group within a larger group, often with different ideas or interests. During the Constitutional period, factions debated the best ways to govern.
- 4. “__________ Government” A type of government where the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, rather than having a monarch or dictator.
- 6. A proposed framework or example of a constitution that can be used as a guide for creating or amending a country's constitution. (2 words, no spaces)
- 7. The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms to individuals, such as freedom of speech and religion. (3 words, no spaces)
- 8. An agreement where each side gives up something to reach a mutual decision. In the context of the Constitution, it often refers to key agreements made during the Constitutional Convention.
- 9. “__________ of the United States The head of the Executive Branch and the leader of the country, responsible for enforcing laws and representing the nation.
- 11. The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, led by the President in the United States.
- 12. The lower house of the US Congress, where the number of representatives each state has is based on its population. (3 words, no spaces)
- 13. “__________ Convention” A meeting held in 1786 where delegates from five states gathered to discuss and address problems with the Articles of Confederation, which eventually led to the Constitutional Convention.
- 14. The branch of government that interprets laws and decides if they are constitutional. It includes the court system, with the Supreme Court at the top.
- 17. “__________ Law Fundamental laws or principles that form the foundation of a government, like the Constitution.
- 19. The upper house of the US Congress, where each state has two senators, regardless of its population.
- 22. “__________ Constitutions” Documents that outline the laws and principles by which individual states are governed, similar to the national Constitution but specific to each state.