The U.S. Constitution & Amendments: The U.S. Constitution, List 1

The Constitution is, quite simply, the basis of American democracy. The document details what the branches of government must do, what they are entitled to do, and what they cannot do. Read the full text here.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. ordain
    order by virtue of superior authority; decree
    We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
  2. enumeration
    the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
    The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.
  3. writ
    a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
    When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
  4. impeachment
    the act of charging an official with an offense committed while in office
    The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
  5. affirmation
    a solemn declaration serving the same purpose as an oath
    The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation.
  6. concurrence
    agreement of results or opinions
    When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
  7. indictment
    a formal document charging a person with some offense
    Judgment in Cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
  8. quorum
    a gathering of the minimal number of members of a group
    Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
  9. adjourn
    break from a meeting or gathering
    Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
  10. privileged
    not subject to usual rules or penalties
    They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
  11. emolument
    compensation received by virtue of holding an office
    No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.
  12. respectively
    in the order given
    But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively.
  13. excise
    a fee measured by the amount of business done
    The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States...
  14. naturalization
    the proceeding whereby a foreigner is granted citizenship
    To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States
  15. tribunal
    an assembly to conduct judicial business
    To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court
Created on Thu May 22 16:40:17 EDT 2025 (updated Thu May 22 16:40:35 EDT 2025)

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