Principles of American Government
What is the form of government of the United States?
-Republic
-Constitution-based federal republic
-Representative democracy
Name the three branches of government
-Legislative, executive, and judicial.
-Congress, president, and the courts.
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
-Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote)
-You don't have to pay (a poll tax) to vote
-Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
-A male citizen of any race (can vote).
The words "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" are in which founding document?
-Declaration of Independence
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
-Declaration of Independence
-Articles of Confederation
-Federalist Papers
-Anti-Federalist Papers
-Virginia Declaration of Rights
-Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
-Mayflower Compact
-Iroquois Great Law of Peace
What is the supreme law of the land?
-(U.S.) Constitution
What part of the federal government writes laws?
-(U.S.) Congress
-(U.S. or national) legislature
-Legislative branch
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
-Freedom of expression
-Freedom of speech
-Freedom of assembly
-Freedom to petition the government
-Freedom of religion
-The right to bear arms
What is the rule of law?
-Everyone must follow the law.
-Leaders must obey the law.
-Government must obey the law.
-No one is above the law.
What is the economic system of the United States?
-Capitalism
-Free market economy
Name one thing the U.S. constitution does
-Forms the government
-Defines powers of government
-Defines the parts of government
-Protects the rights of people
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
-Senate and House of Representatives
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
-The United States
-The Flag
Name Two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
-Equality
-Liberty
-Social contract
-Natural rights
-Limited government
-Self-government
Why does each state have two senators?
-Equal representation (for small states)
-The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
How Many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
-Twenty-seven (27)
How many U.S. senators are there?
-one hundred (100)
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
-Vote
-Join a political party
-Help with a campaign
-Join a civic group
-Join a community group
-Give an elected official your opinion (on an issue)
-Contact elected officials
-Support or oppose an issue or policy
-Write to a newspaper
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
-Declaration of Independence
Who does a U.S. senator represent?
-Citizens of their state
-People of their state
There are three branches of government. Why?
-So one part does not become too powerful
-Checks and balances
-Separation of powers
Who is one of your state's U.S. senators now?
-Chuck Schumer
-Kirsten Gillibrand
How can people become United States citizens?
-Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th amendment
-Naturalize
-Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
-Amendments
-The amendment process
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
-Citizens in their (congressional) district
-Citizens in their district
-People from their (congressional) district
-People in their district