9781422287569

Words to Understand

constitution— a document containing the laws of a state or nation. delegate— a representative to a meeting. draft— an early form of a written document. House of Representatives— the lower legislative body of Congress, composed of representatives whose numbers are determined by each state’s population. impasse— the inability of two or more parties to agree on a solu- tion. judiciary— the branch of government consisting of the courts. jury— a body of impartial citizens who decide guilt and innocence in a courtroom. president— the chief executive of a government whose authority is provided by vote of the people. Senate— the upper legislative body of Congress, composed of two members from each state. veto— the right to cancel an act of the government, usually exercised by a governor or president.