Learn Key Vocabulary

Rate and Study the Words Rate how well you know each word. Then:

  • 1. Pronounce the word. Say it aloud several times. Spell it.

  • 2. Study the example.

  • 3. Tell more about the word.

  • 4. Practice it. Make the word your own.

Rating Scale

  • 1 = I have never seen this word before.

  • 2 = I am not sure of the word’s meaning.

  • 3 = I know this word and can teach the word’s meaning to someone else.

Key Words
declared (dē-klaird) verb
photograph of a group of people, one holding a protest sign
When something is declared, it is spoken clearly and with strength. These people declared what they wanted.		freedom (frē-dum) noun
photograph of the Washington Monument
When people want freedom, they do not want other people to rule over them. The Washington Monument honors George Washington, who led his people to freedom.
government (guv-urn-ment) noun
photograph of the members of Congress in session
A government directs the way people live in a state or country. The members of Congress are one part of the U.S. government.		laws (lawz) noun
photograph of a courtroom showing lawyers judge, and jury members
Laws are the rules that people in society have to follow. A judge decides if someone is guilty of breaking a law.
power (pow-ur) noun
illustration of a diagram showing the three branches of U.S. government
When people have power, they have strength. The first leaders of the United States wanted to balance the power across the three parts, or branches, of government.		Practice the Words Work with a partner. Take turns writing four sentences. Use at least 2 Key Words in each sentence.

A country’s government makes laws for people to follow.