GOVERNMENT VOCABULARY WORD DEFINITION PICTURE Articles of Confederation Federal System Compromise Bill Separation of Power Veto Impeach Amendment Preamble Petition Checks and Balances

WORD DEFINITION PICTURE Articles of Confederation The first plan of government for the United States. This plan created a very weak central government. Federal System A system of government in which the power to govern is shared by the national and state governments. Compromise To give up some of what you want in order to reach an agreement. Bill An idea for a new law. Separation of Power The division of powers among the three branches of the national government. Veto To reject a law. Impeach To accuse a government official of a crime. Amendment A change. Preamble An introduction to the U.S. Constitution. Explains the basic functions of the U.S. Government Petition A signed request made to an official person or organization Checks and Balances A system that keeps each branch of government from becoming too powerful or misusing its authority.