| Term | Definition |
| Democracy | a form of government in which the supreme authority rests with the people |
| Constitution | the body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government |
| Declaration of Independence | the document recording the proclamation of the second Continental Congress (4 July 1776) asserting the independence of the colonies from Great Britain |
| John Locke & Natural Rights | rights that belong to all human beings from birth |
| Anti-Federalists | opponents of a strong central government who campaigned against the ratification of the Constitution in favor of a confederation of independant states |
| Federalists | supporters of the stronger central govt. who advocated the ratification of the new constitution |