| 11th Amendment |
an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees a level of sovereign immunity to states by forbidding federal courts from ruling on cases brought against a state by a citizen of another state. |
| 13th Amendment |
an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in December, 1865, that abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, other than as legal punishment for a crime. |
| 19th Amendment |
an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1920, that gave women the right to vote. |
| 22nd Amendment |
an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that ensures that no person can be elected to more than two four-year terms as President of the United States. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, was passed in reaction to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms in office. |
| antifederalist |
(often cap.) a member of, or sympathizer with, the party that opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. |
| article |
a specific section in a document such as a contract or a constitution. [1/4 definitions] |
| Articles of Confederation |
a document created in 1781 that served as a set of guidelines for governing the newly formed United States of America. The Articles of Confederation created a "firm league of friendship" among the thirteen original states and maintained the majority of power in states' hands. It was replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. |
| bill of rights |
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights lists the basic rights of U.S. citizens and residents. |
| charter |
(often cap.) a document defining the principles and organizational rules of a corporate body, association, club, or the like; constitution. [1/7 definitions] |
| civil rights |
certain rights, such as the right to vote and own property. In the United States the Constitution and Acts of Congress promise these rights to citizens. |
| constituent |
authorized to elect public officials or to amend a law or constitution. [1/4 definitions] |
| constitutional |
having to do with a constitution. [2 definitions] |
| constitutionalism |
a system of government based upon the adherence to basic laws and principles laid out in a written constitution. [1/2 definitions] |
| constitutionality |
the quality of being in legal accord with a constitution, or of being otherwise constitutional. |
| constitutionless |
combined form of constitution. |
| constructionist |
a person who interprets a law, constitution, or the like in a specific way, such as literally or broadly. |
| delicacy |
weak constitution; frail health. [1/8 definitions] |
| Equal Rights Amendment |
a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prohibit the infringement of rights because of gender. |
| ERA |
abbreviation of "Equal Rights Amendment," a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prohibit the infringement of rights because of gender. |
| Federalist party |
an early U.S. political party that favored adoption of the Constitution and a strong federal government. |
| Fifth Amendment |
an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees certain rights to accused criminals by providing due process of law, forbidding double jeopardy, and protecting persons from testifying against themselves. |