Principles of American Government
What is the form of government of the United States?
• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Executive branch
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States
The flag
What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
Africans
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
New York (Harbor)
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
Why is the Electoral College important?
It decides who is elected president.
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
• Required by law • All people pay to fund the federal government • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment) • Civic duty
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
(Thomas) Jefferson
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner
There are three branches of government. Why?
Separation of powers
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Four hundred thirty-five (435)
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
Vote • Run for office • 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
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War
• Civil War
• Spanish-American War
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
13 original colonies
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality • Liberty• Social contract • Natural rights
• Limited government • Self-government
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
To be independent (of politics) or To limit outside (political) influence
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Give up loyalty to other countries • Defend the (U.S.) Constitution • Obey the laws of the United States • Serve in the military (if needed)
• Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed) • Be loyal to the United States
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
• They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
• They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
One star for each state
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
Self-government
Name one power that is only for the states
• Provide schooling and education • Provide protection (police) • Provide safety (fire departments) • Give a driver’s license • Approve zoning and land use
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
• Required by law • Civic duty • Makes the draft fair, if needed
The Civil War had many important events. Name one.
• (Battle of) Fort Sumter • Emancipation Proclamation • (Battle of) Vicksburg
• (Battle of) Gettysburg • Sherman’s March
• (Surrender at) Appomattox • (Battle of) Antietam/Sharpsburg • Lincoln was assassinated.
Name three national U.S. holidays.
• New Year’s Day • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
• Memorial Day • Independence Day
• Labor Day • Columbus Day • Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day • Christmas Day