1. US History Vocabulary
Magna Carta: The “great charter” of English liberties, forced from King John by the English
barons and sealed at Runnymede, June 15, 1215.
Enlightenment: A philosophical movement of the 18th century, characterized by belief in the
power of human reason and by innovations in political, religious, and educational doctrine.
John Locke: English philosopher.
Baron de Montesquieu:
Natural Rights:
Federalism: The sharing of power between federal and state governments.
Articles: A part of a document, such as the constitution, that deals with a single subject.
Legislative Branch: The branch of the government that makes the nation’s laws.
Executive Branch: The branch of Government, headed by the president that carries out the
nation’s laws and policies.
Electoral Collage: A special group of voters selected by their state’s voters to vote for the
president and vice president.
Ratify: To give official approval to. (Validate)
Amendment: An addition to a formal document such as the constitution.
Checks and Balances: the system in which each branch of government has a check on the
other two branches so that no one branch becomes over powered.
Federalist: supporters of the constitution.

2. Anti-Federalist: Individuals who oppose ratification of the Constitution.
Judicial Branch: The branch of government, including the federal court system which interprets
the nation’s laws.