amend -- To change the wording or meaning of a motion, bill, constitution, etc. by formal procedure. For example, Congress may amend the Constitution.

alien -- A resident of another country who has not yet become a citizen of the country where s/he now lives.

American Revolution -- The struggle by which the United States won independence from Great Britain (1775-1783).

Articles of Confederation -- The first constitution of the 13 American states, adopted in 1781 and later replaced in 1787 by the Constitution of the United States.

bas-relief -- A three-dimensional sculpture in which the figures project slightly from the background. Also called low relief.

census -- A periodic, official count of the number of persons living in a country.

checks and balances -- Limits imposed on all branches of government by giving each the right to amend acts of the other branches.

citizen -- A member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection.

congressional district -- A division or part of a state; each district elects one person to the House of Representatives.

constituent -- A person who is represented by an elected official.

Constitution -- The document which establishes the basic principles of the American government.

delegate -- A person who acts for or represents another or others.

Emancipation Proclamation -- An order issued during the Civil War by President Lincoln ending slavery in the Confederate states.

Founding Fathers -- The delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

hasty pudding -- A baked dish made mostly of cornmeal, milk, and molasses. It's not pudding like Jell-O pudding, it's more of a mush. At the time, pudding was the term used for the dessert course of a meal.

House of Representatives -- One house of the U.S. Congress, members are granted to each state based upon its population.

immigrant -- A person who moves from one country to another to live permanently.

macaroni -- A fancy and overdressed ("dandy") style of Italian clothing widely imitated in England at the time. When Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his cap and called himself a "Macaroni", he was proudly proclaiming himself to be a country bumpkin (an awkward and unsophisticated person), because that was how the English regarded most colonials at that time.

national -- A citizen of a nation who is entitled to its protection.

obelisk -- An upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid.

sentinel -- A soldier stationed as a guard to challenge all comers and prevent a surprise attack.

separation of powers -- The system of dividing the powers and duties of a government into different branches.

valor -- Boldness or bravery in facing great danger, especially in battle.

veto -- To cancel or postpone a decision, bill, etc. For example, the president of the United States may veto a bill that has been passed by Congress.

Vote -- The Responsibility, Duty and Honor of Every American Citizen. A formal expression of opinion or choice, either positive or negative, made by an individual or body of individuals. To enact, establish, or determine by vote: to vote a proposed bill into law.

V O T I -- Vote Out The Incumbent. This is the power of We the People to ensure that politicians who do not work for us do not stay in government office past one term. Some of our government seats have Term Limits, unfortunately other positions do not. V O T I gives the People the power to correct corruption.