Citizenship
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)
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Senate and House (of Representatives)
Name one power of the president.
Signs bills into law
Vetoes bills
Enforces laws
Commander in Chief (of the military)
Chief diplomat
Appoints federal judges
What is one part of the judicial branch?
Supreme Court
Federal Courts
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
Writes laws
Declares war
Makes the federal budget
The 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
Who elects U.S. senators?
Citizens from their state
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President (of the United States)
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws
Explains laws
Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Print paper money
Mint coins
Declare war
Create an army
Make treaties
Set foreign policy
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 does each state have two senators?
Equal representation (for small states)
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advises the President (of the United States)
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
John Roberts
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
What is one way Americans can serve their country?
Vote
Pay taxes
Obey the law
Serve in the military
Run for office
Work for local, state, or federal government
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
To more closely follow public opinion
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
(Because of) the 22nd Amendment
To keep the president from becoming too powerful
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
Five (5)
There are three branches of government. Why?
So one part does not become too powerful
Checks and balances
Separation of powers
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
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
(Because of) the state’s population
(Because) they have more people
(Because) some states have more people
Why is the Electoral College important?
It decides who is elected president.
It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
To be independent (of politics)
To limit outside (political) influence
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
(It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.