Chapter 7 Social Studies Vocab Words

ambassador -- someone sent to a foreign country to represent his native country

amendment -- an adjustment, change, or revision

Anti-Federalist -- a colonist who did not support the Constitution

Articles of Confederation -- the first constitution of the 13 American states

Bill of Rights -- the first 10 amendments to the Constitution

cabinet -- a council composed of a leader's closest advisors

cede -- to give away or give up

checks and balances -- a system by which each branch of government limits the power of the other branches

compromise -- an agreement reached when each side gives up part of what it desires

criticize -- to find fault with someone or something

debate -- a discussion in which people with opposeing ideas argue their point of view

executive branch -- the branch of government that carries out the laws

federal -- central government

Federalist -- a colonist who supported the Constitution

graffiti -- writing or painting written illegally on public property

judicial branch -- the branch of government that interprets the laws

jury -- a council that decides whether a person is guilty of breaking a law

legislative branch -- the branch of government that makes the laws

legislature -- the elected political leaders who make the laws

mall -- a large, public area

oath of office -- a promise madeby an official before he takes office

periodical -- a magazine or journal that is published in regular intervals

popular sovreignty -- the idea that a state's power came from the people

Preamble -- the introduction to the Constitution

privacy -- being free from disturbance in personal affairs

ratify -- to approve

repeal -- to cancel or take back

republican -- a person who believes government should get its power from the people

separation of power -- the dividing of governmental power among branches

trial -- a meeting held to discuss a person's guilt or innocence