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.