Key Terms in American Government and History

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Colony

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A territory under the immediate political control of a state, distinct from the home territory of the sovereign.

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President

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The elected head of a republican state.

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Compromise

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An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.

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Independence Hall

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The building in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.

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Eavesdropping

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The act of secretly listening to the private conversation of others without their consent.

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Govern

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To conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of a state, organization, or people.

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Congress

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The national legislative body of a country, particularly that of the United States, which is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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Senate

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The smaller upper assembly in the US Congress, most US states, France, and other countries.

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House of Representatives

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The lower house of the United States Congress, with members elected to represent the population of the states.

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Authority

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The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.