Veto

Power of the President to reject the acts of congress.

Anti-Federalists

Those who opposed to ratifying the Constitution

Bicameral Legislature

Two house law making body

Checks and Balances

Division of power so no branch of government has too much authority.

Confederation

Loose alliance of independent states that are united to take joint action on certain matters

delegate

A representative designated to act for or represent others.

Electoral College

A group of state electors who actually choose the president.

Executive Branch

Branch of the United States that enforces the law.

Federal System

System of government in which power is divided between the national and state government.

Great Compromise

Agreement stating that the legislature would be divided into two houses, one elected by the people, the other by state legislatures

Federalist

Those in favor of ratifying the Constitution

Impeach

To try a high official for wrongdoing

Judicial Branch

A branch of government that interprets the laws.

Legislative Branch

Branch of the United States government that Makes the laws

New Jersey Plan

Plan proposed to keep Congress as a single house.

Ratify

To approve

Reserved Powers

Powers kept by the states

Sovereign

Autonomous; self-governing

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement on the proportion by which slaves count representation

Virginia Plan

Plan calling for the formation of a two-house legislature.