to discuss (talk about) a subject in a formal way; to argue about something by giving different opinions about it.

Example:  The presidential candidates will debate their plans for improving the economy.

having to do with the national government, rather than the government of a specific state.

a period of time.

In government, a term is how long an elected official keeps his or her job before the next election.

Example:  The President is elected to a 4-year term.  Each President can only serve two terms.

how many people live in a place.

Example:  The population of Minnesota is about 5 million.

The freedom to live as you wish and go where you want.

the leader of a state government's executive branch.  Just as the country has one President, each state has one Governor.

at the present time (now), or the most recent.

Example:  The current Governor of Minnesota is Tim Pawlenty.  (He is Governor now.)

a person who is competing to be elected to a government office.

Example:  There are two major candidates for President:  Barack Obama and John McCain.

A change or addition, especially to the Constitution.

There are 27 amendments to the Constitution.

to approve; to make an agreement official.

Example:  Amendments to the Constitution must be ratified by state legislatures.