Unit 6 Vocabulary List - Key Civics & Government Terms

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda

Unit 6 Vocabulary List compiles concise definitions for civics and government-related terms used in constitutional study. The list covers key concepts such as adoption and amendment, amendments and the Bill of Rights, legislative and executive branches, and the structure of federalism. It also explains foundational ideas including checks and balances, consensus, compromise, democracy, liberty, justice, and ratification, with clear word-by-word meanings for effective learning and review.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Unit 6 Vocabulary List

Core constitutional and government terms

Rights, branches, and systems of power

Civic concepts and key vocabulary

Unit 6 Vocabulary List | adopt | (verb) To choose to take for one’s own, to follow, or to use | | --- | --- | | amend | (verb) To revise or change | | amendment | (noun) An addition to an existing document; in the U.S. Constitution, the amendments come after the original document | | article | (noun) A part or piece of something | | Articles of Confederation | (noun) The constitution establishing the first government of the United States that had weaknesses, which led to its failure; it was in place from 1781 to 1789 | | bicameral | (adjective) A legislature that has two parts; the U.S. Congress is bicameral because it has the House of Representatives and the Senate | | bill of rights | (noun) A document that contains a list of freedoms to protect; in the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments | | Bill of Rights | (noun) The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution that list the freedoms of the people and states; the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1791 | | branch of government | (noun) A section of government with its own purpose; the U.S. government has three sections of the government with different responsibilities that support each other to create, examine, and enforce laws | | central
government | (noun) The center or federal government of a group of states; the U.S. central government is in Washington, D.C. | | check | (verb) In government, when one part of the government legally stops another part from taking its desired actions | Unit 6 Vocabulary List | checks and balances | (noun) The idea where separate parts of the government are given powers to stop each other’s actions and are made to share power | | --- | --- | | civic virtue | (noun) Actions citizens do and qualities citizens have that benefit their community | | common
defense | (noun) A phrase in the preamble of the Constitution; protection for the community | | common good | (noun) A phrase in the preamble of the Constitution; what is best for the community | | compromise | (verb) The process of coming to a solution that works for everyone | | consensus | (noun) When a group of people come to agreement about an issue | | consent | (verb) To agree | | constitution | (noun) A document laying out the rules for how a government will work | | Constitution | (noun) The document that lays out the framework for how the federal government works; written in 1787 and ratified in 1789 | | constitutional
convention | (noun) A gathering of representatives whose purpose is to write a constitution or revise an existing constitution | | delegate | (noun) A representative who speaks for their people or organization | | democracy | (noun) A government ruled by majority vote of the people | | dictator | (noun) The ruler of a nation or people who has absolute power | | domestic | (adjective) In our country or at home | Unit 6 Vocabulary List | elected | (adjective) Describing when someone has been chosen for a position through the vote of the people | | --- | --- | | election | (noun) When people vote for a person for office or other position | | executive | (adjective) Describing the person or branch of government who puts plans and laws into effect | | executive branch | (noun) The section of government that puts plans and laws into effect | | federal | (adjective) The central government of a group of states; the U.S. federal government is in Washington, D.C. | | federalism | (adjective) When local towns, states, and the federal government share power together | | foundational principle | (noun) An idea on which something stands; one foundational principle of the United States is the rule of law | | Founding Fathers | (noun) The people who led the colonies in the American Revolution, then designed and set up the government of the United States; also called the framers | | framers | (noun) The people who led the colonies in the American Revolution, then designed and set up the government of the United States; also called the Foun

FAQs

What does the vocabulary list focus on?

It focuses on civics and government terms, especially those connected to the U.S. Constitution, its branches, and related foundational ideas.

How are “checks and balances” described?

Checks and balances is the idea that separate parts of government have powers to stop each other and share power.

What does “ratification” mean in the list?

Ratification is the action of making something legal by signing or giving permission.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda