GOVERNMENT & CIVICS
Why did the framers of the Constitution create three branches of government instead of just one?
To prevent one group from having too much power and to create checks and balances
Why did the British government begin taxing the colonies after the French and Indian War?
To pay off war debt and cover the cost of protecting the colonies
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail as a plan of government?
The central government was too weak to tax, enforce laws, or unite the states
How does scarcity force people to make economic choices?
Because there are limited resources, people must choose what they value most
Why is it important for citizens to stay informed about issues in their community?
So they can make responsible decisions and take meaningful action
How does the system of checks and balances limit government power?
Each branch can block or limit the actions of the other branches
Why did colonists believe British taxes were unfair?
Because they had no representation in Parliament (“taxation without representation”)
What problem led to the creation of the Constitution?
The need for a stronger national government that could solve national issues
What is an opportunity cost, and why is it important?
It is what you give up when making a choice; it helps people think about trade-offs
How does advocacy differ from service?
Advocacy pushes for change, while service helps meet immediate needs
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
To protect individual freedoms and ensure the government could not take them away
How did the Sons of Liberty influence colonial resistance?
They organized protests, boycotts, and actions against British policies
How did the Great Compromise solve disagreements between large and small states?
It created two houses of Congress—one based on population and one with equal representation
How do supply and demand affect prices?
High demand or low supply raises prices; low demand or high supply lowers prices
Why might a group choose awareness instead of fundraising to solve a problem?
Because the issue may require people to change behavior rather than money
What is the difference between a right and a responsibility?
A right is something you are entitled to, while a responsibility is something you are expected to do
What was the main idea behind the Declaration of Independence?
That people have natural rights and can overthrow a government that does not protect them
Why was the Three-Fifths Compromise controversial?
It counted enslaved people for representation without giving them rights
Why are natural, human, and capital resources all important in production?
They each play a role in creating goods and services
How can working together make solving community problems more effective?
It brings more ideas, resources, and support
Why is voting considered both a right and a responsibility?
It is a protected right, but citizens are expected to use it to help choose leaders and shape government
How did boycotts help the colonists protest British rule?
They refused to buy British goods, hurting Britain economically
Why did some states refuse to ratify the Constitution at first?
They feared it gave too much power to the national government and lacked protections for rights
How can saving money benefit a person in the future?
It allows them to prepare for emergencies or make larger purchases later
Why is compromise important when citizens work together?
It helps people with different opinions find solutions everyone can accept