Bill of Right
Which amendment protects freedom of speech and religion?
1st Amendment
Name the Branches of the United States Government
Executive, Legislative and Judicial
What is the main purpose of checks and balances?
To limit power and reduce the likelihood of corruption
Name one responsibility of U.S. citizens.
Vote / Serve on jury / Stay informed
What document came before the Constitution and was used to run the government during and following the revolutionary war?
Articles of Confederation
Which amendment gives the right to bear arms?
2nd Amendment
A bill has been introduced in Congress and is being debated and voted on.
Which branch is responsible for this process?
Legislative
What can the President do to stop a law passed by Congress?
Veto it
Why is jury duty important?
Protects the right to a fair trial
Which plan for a legislative body favored large states? Why did small states dislike it?
Which plan favored large states? - Small states had a low population and representation based on population would disadvantage small states.
Which amendment protects against cruel and unusual punishment?
8th Amendment
After Congress passes a law, what branch carry it out and make sure it is followed.
Executive
How many votes does it take in each chamber of Congress to successfully override a presidential veto?
A two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate
What is naturalization?
The process of becoming a citizen
Which compromise created two houses of Congress? What did it propose?
Great compromise
Two legislative houses. 1 based on population and 1 based on equal representation.
Which amendment guarantees a fair and speedy trial?
6th Amendment
A citizen believes a law violates the Constitution and takes the case to court.
Which entity decides if the law is constitutional?
Supreme Court
What power allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional?
Judicial review
A group of citizens gathers in a public park to peacefully protest a government policy. Which specific freedom protects this action, and why?
Freedom of assembly, because it allows people to gather peacefully to express their opinions.
Name 3 weaknesses of the Articles of confederation.
Weak central government / No taxes / No army / No court system
Why did the Anti-Federalists want the Bill of Rights added?
To protect individual freedoms from government power
Which philosopher inspired the Founding Fathers to divide government into branches?
Montesquieu
Explain how the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review limits Congress and the President. Give one example.
Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to declare laws or presidential actions unconstitutional. For example, the Court can strike down a law passed by Congress or an executive order issued by the President if it violates the Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “An ignorant and free people… want what never was and never will be.” What does this quote suggest about the importance of informed voters in a democracy?
It means that democracy cannot succeed if citizens are uninformed. People must be educated and informed in order to make good decisions and protect their freedom.
What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers? Who was the primary author?
To support ratification of the Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton