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100

The lawmaking body of Iowa before it became a state.

Territorial Legislature

100

A law passed by Congress allowing Iowa to draft a state constitution.

Enabling Act

100

Iowa’s second and current constitution, providing a stronger framework for state governance.

Constitution of 1857

100

The section of Iowa’s constitution protecting individual rights.

Bill of Rights (Iowa)

100

The process by which Iowa officially became a state in 1846.

Admission to the Union

200

The right to vote; expanded over time in Iowa’s constitutions.

Suffrage

200

The principle that government authority comes from the people.

Popular Sovereignty

200

Iowa’s first state constitution, which established its early government.

Constitution of 1846

200

A formal change to Iowa’s constitution.

Amendment

200

The process of approving a constitution or amendment.

Ratification

300

Division of Iowa’s government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Separation of Powers

300

Federal law encouraging settlement of Iowa and the western frontier.

Homestead Act

300

The belief in U.S. expansion westward, which influenced settlement in Iowa.

Manifest Destiny

300

A smaller unit of government within counties, handling local matters like schools and roads.

Township

300

A gathering to draft or revise a state constitution.

Constitutional Convention

400

The head of Iowa’s executive branch.

Governor

400

Iowa’s legislative body, made up of the House of Representatives and Senate.

General Assembly

400

The branch of Iowa’s government that interprets laws.

Judiciary

400

Local level of governance in Iowa, overseeing courts, roads, and elections.

County Government

400

The official symbol of Iowa’s government and sovereignty.

State Seal of Iowa

500

The system ensuring no branch of Iowa’s government becomes too powerful.

Checks and Balances

500

Law that set rules for creating new states, serving as a model for Iowa’s statehood.

Northwest Ordinance 

500

Early law setting up how land (including Iowa’s) was surveyed and divided.  

Land Ordinance of 1785

500

The system of shared power between state governments like Iowa’s and the federal government.

Federalism

500

City or town government in Iowa, responsible for services like police, fire, and public works.

Municipal Government

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