Principles Part 1
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
• (The basic) rights of Americans
• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
What is the economic system of the United States?
• Capitalism
• Free market economy
Name the three branches of government.
• Legislative, executive, and judicial
• Congress, president, and the courts
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Executive branch
There are three branches of government. Why?
• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
• Amendments
• The amendment process
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 part of the federal government writes laws?
• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature
• Legislative branch
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Senate and House (of Representatives)
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
• Forms the government
• Defines powers of government
• Defines the parts of government
• Protects the rights of the people
What is the form of government of the United States?
• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
•It identifies inherent rights.
•It identifies individual freedoms.
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget
How many U.S. Senators are there?
100
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
• Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• (Example of) social contract
What is the supreme law of the land?
(U.S.) Constitution
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
6 years
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government
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
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
27
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435
Who is ONE of Massachusetts' state senators now?
Elizabeth Warren
Ed Markey (Up for reelection in Nov. 2026 - Answer may change after January 2027)