State Constitutions
Definition
These are the governing documents of each U.S. state, outlining the structure and function of their government.
Analogy
Think of a state constitution like the rulebook for a board game. It sets out how the game (or in this case, the state) is supposed to be run, who can do what, and what happens if someone breaks a rule.
Related terms
Federalism: This is a system where power is divided between national and state governments.
Constitutional Convention: A meeting held in 1787 to create a new U.S. Constitution after finding faults in the Articles of Confederation.
Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protect individual liberties against government infringement.
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