Answer:
Articles of Confederation- The first constitution of the USA. The articles lasted from 1781-1789. The articles proved to be inadequate for the US because of the limited powers of Congress. Its many weaknesses include but are not limited to: no power to coin money, no power to tax, and too weak to enforce laws (this can be seen through Shay's Rebellion)
Constitution- The constitution of the US is a body of text which provides the foundation of government and is used as the supreme law of the land. The constitution established checks & balances, the executive, etc.
Separation of Powers- The idea of separating the power of the government into 3 distinct branches- the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judiciary branch.
Checks and Balances- The idea that the 3 distinct branches of government have certain powers over one another so that no single branch becomes too powerful and tyrannic. For example, the legislative branch has the power to impeach the President, but the President can veto bills from the legislative branch.
Popular Sovereignty- The principle where the legitimacy of the state is to be governed by the people through elected representatives.
Ratification- The action of validating a treaty or bill
Bill of Rights- The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution. The Bill of Rights guarantees personal liberties and limits the powers of the government.