Glossary

Amendment-A formal process of changing an official document. Changes in the U.S Constitution are called amendments.

Anti-Federalist-A person who opposed the ratification of the Constitution.

Bill of Right-A formal statement of the rights and privileges that are protected against infringement by the government.The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights.

Checks and balances-Constitutional arrangement of powers that gives each of the three branches oversight over the other two and the power to stop some of their actions.

Constitution-A written document establishing the basic rules of an organization. The U.S. Constitution sets out the general rules under which the national government operates.

Convention-A large meeting set up for a special purpose.

Delegates-People who attend meetings with instructions from those who sent them.

Federalist-A person who supported the Constitution during the ratification period. The term also refers to a member of the Federalist party.

Federal Government-The national government of the United States.

Great Compromise-The agreement by which Congress whould have two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Ratify-To officially approve.

Virginia Plan-The new government be a central one with power to make laws and to enforce them through its own executive and judicial branches.