Constitutional Law Vocabulary

verb to make changes or additions to a document or text in order to improve it or correct errors

• The committee decided to amend the proposal before presenting it to the board.
• I need to amend my order because I forgot to add an extra item.
• I'll just quickly amend this document before sending it out.
• Sometimes we need to amend our attitudes in order to improve our relationships.

noun the process of revising or altering a document or legislation

• The proposed amendment to the constitution was met with much debate in parliament.
• I heard they're making an amendment to the company's dress code policy.
• Yo, did you hear about the latest amendment to the party rules?
• Making an amendment to our friendship agreement will require some serious discussion.

noun the legal procedures established by a government to protect the rights of individuals

• The defendant was ensured due process throughout the legal proceedings.
• They made sure to follow all the rules when dealing with that case.
• They had to go through all the red tape to make sure everything was done right.
• Just like a well-oiled machine, due process ensures that justice is served fairly.

adjective relating to or characteristic of federalism or federalists

• The federalistic system of government in the United States ensures a balance of power between the national and state levels.
• The federalistic approach allows different states to have some autonomy in decision-making.
• I don't really get all this federalistic stuff, but it seems like each state has its own say.
• In a federalistic relationship, each partner retains some independence while still being part of a larger whole.

noun an introductory statement; preface; introduction

adjective relating to or constituting a preamble

• The preamble of the Constitution outlines the goals and principles of the document.
• Before we get started, let me give you a quick preamble about the project.
• Let me just give you a heads up before we dive in, here's the preamble.
• The preamble to the novel sets the tone for the entire story.

noun the term of office of a president

• The presidency is a position of great responsibility and power.
• I heard that the presidency is a tough job to have.
• Man, getting into the presidency is no joke.
• In the game of politics, everyone is fighting to reach the presidency.

noun a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch

• The republic was founded on principles of democracy and equality.
• I heard there's a new law in the republic about recycling.
• The republic is where all the cool kids hang out.
• In the republic of literature, Shakespeare reigns supreme.