Social Studies

In a democracy, political power rests with the people who govern through elected representatives or direct vote; in an autocracy, power is concentrated in a single ruler or small group not chosen by the people.

A monarchy is headed by a king or queen who inherits the throne, while a republic is headed by elected officials and has no hereditary ruler.

In a unitary government, power is held by a central national authority; in a federal government, power is divided between a national government and regional state governments.

It expresses popular sovereignty — the principle that the government's authority comes from and belongs to the people, not a king or ruling class.

It established the framework of the national government, defining its powers and structure and replacing the weaker Articles of Confederation.

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which guarantee fundamental individual rights and limit the power of the federal government.