Chapter 9: Creating a Nation Vocabulary Review

constitution Definition: a written plan for government During the Revolutionary War, each state had its own laws and constitution.

Citizen Definition: an official member of a city, state, or nation Every citizen in the United States is protected by the constitution.

Territory Definition: land ruled by a national government; a frontier region before it became a U.S. state Congress made treaties with American Indians to gain control of the Northwest Territory.

Ordinance Definition: a law The first law, the Land Ordinance of 1785, explained how the new land would be measured, divided, and sold.

Federal Definition: a form of government in which states share power with central government James Madison and George Washington wanted a federal system because the states had to much power.

Republic Definition: a government in which the citizens elect leaders to represent them. Since our government is a republic, citizens can choose our leaders in office.

Compromise Definition: an agreement in which each side of an argument gives up something it wants My mom wanted me to go to bed at 8:00. I wanted to go to bed at 9:00, so we compromised and I went to bed at 8:30.

Ratify Definition: to accept or approve something My mother would never ratify eating ice cream for breakfast.

democracy Definition: a government in which the people made political decisions by voting, and the majority rules. Since we live in a democracy, citizens can take part in the government by voting on leaders and laws.

Checks and balances Definition: a system of separating the government so each part keeps the others form taking too much power. So that one branch of government does not overpower the other, there is a system of checks and balances.

Unconstitutional Definition: not agreeing with the constitution It is unconstitutional to segregate schools.

Veto Definition: to refuse to approve The president can veto, or reject laws they don’t agree with.

Amendment Definition: a change to the Constitution The 15th Amendment gives the rights to African Americans to vote.

inauguration Definition: an official ceremony to make someone president Many people watched the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Cabinet Definition: a group chosen by the President to help run the country Since running the country is such a big job, the president’s cabinet helps him.

Political Party Definition: group of people who share similar ideas about government The two major political parties are the Democrats and the Republicans.

Interest Definition: what people pay to borrow money The bank pays interest for the use of money to each person who has a savings account.

Capital Definition: the city where the government meets Washington D. C. was named after President George Washington and chosen as our nations capital.