Grade 8 Social Studies Tiered Vocabulary

constitution

A set of rules for a country.

amendment

A change to the Constitution.

bill of rights

The first rights listed in the Constitution.

federalism

Power shared between national and state governments.

checks and balances

Each branch can limit the others.

legislative branch

The branch that makes laws.

executive branch

The branch that enforces laws.

judicial branch

The branch that interprets laws.

revolution

A major change, often with fighting.

colony

A place controlled by another country.

primary source

Information from the time of an event.

analyze

Look closely at information.

justify

Tell why an answer is correct.

summarize

Tell the main ideas shortly.

law

A rule people must follow.

freedom

Being able to act without unfair control.