1. Vocabulary Ch. 8, 9, 10
History Alive!

2. Chapter 8
Articles of Confederation: The first written plan of government for the United States.
A “confederation” is an association of states who cooperate for a common purpose.
Territory: A region designated by Congress and organized under a governor.
A territory may apply to become a state when it has a large enough population.

3. Chapter 8 Arsenal: A place where weapons and ammunition are stored.
Enlightenment: The “Age of Reason” in 17th and 18th century Europe. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized using rational thought to discover truths about nature and society.

4. Chapter 8 Republic: A country governed by elected representatives.
Constitution: A written plan that provides the basic framework of a government.
Compromise: An agreement in which both sides in a dispute agree to give up something they want in order to achieve a settlement.

5. Chapter 8
Electoral College: The group established by the Constitution to elect the president and vice president. Voters in each state choose their electors.
Ratify: To formally approve a plan or an agreement.
The process of approval is called ratification.

6. Chapter 9
Popular Sovereignty: The idea that the authority of government comes from the people.
Legislative Branch: The lawmaking part of government, called the legislature.
To legislate is to make a law.
Bicameral: Having 2 lawmaking parts.
Bicameral comes from the Latin words meaning “two rooms.”

7. Chapter 9 Bill: A proposed law.
Veto: To reject a proposed law or bill. Only the president can veto bills.
Executive Branch: The part of government that “executes” (carries out) the laws.
Impeach: To formally accuse an official of a crime related to official duties.

8. Chapter 9
Judicial Branch: The part of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, that interprets the laws.
Checks and Balances: The system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of other branches.
Amendment: A change to the Constitution.

9. Chapter 9
Interstate Commerce: Trade and other business dealings that cross state lines.
Federalism: The constitutional system that shares power between the national and state governments.
Party: an organized political group.
Interest Group: An organization that actively promotes the views of some part of the public on specific issues.

10. Chapter 10
Bill of Rights: A formal listing of the basic rights of a citizen.
Warrant: An order from a judge that authorizes police or other officials to take certain action, such as searching someone’s property.

11. Chapter 10
Self-Incrimination: The act of giving testimony that can be used against oneself.
Defendants: People who are required to defend themselves in a legal action; an example is an accused person who is put on trial for a crime.