The document provides definitions for 6 key vocabulary terms related to the US government: Federalism is the sharing of power between federal and state governments. John Locke was an English philosopher who believed in natural rights. Montesquieu was a French philosopher who believed in separating government powers among branches for balance. The Supreme Court is the highest US court. Checks and balances refers to the three branches having equal power to limit any one from becoming too powerful. A citizen belongs to a country and has associated rights and responsibilities.

1. Section 3 Vocabulary Make KIM Cards for the following words.

2. Federalism : sharing power between federal and state governments

3. John Locke : English man who believed all people had natural rights

4. Montesquieu : French man who believed the government should be divided into separate branches and that the branches should balance each other

5. The Supreme Court : the highest federal court in the United States

6. Checks and Balances : All 3 branches have equal amounts of power and can double check that the other branches don’t become too powerful

7. Citizen : a person who belongs to a certain country, a citizen has rights and responsibilities