FOUNDING DOCUMENTS
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution.
Name one branch of the government.
Congress / Legislative / Executive / Judicial.
What is one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens?
Vote in federal elections.
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
Native Americans.
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Speech (also religion, press, assembly, petition the government).
Who makes federal laws?
What is one right only for U.S. citizens?
Run for federal office.
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
Africans.
Name one U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico (or Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands).
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Announced our independence from Great Britain.
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances / separation of powers.
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15.
The Federalist Papers supported the Constitution. Name one writer.
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay.
Which ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
The Pacific Ocean.
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
Life and liberty (and the pursuit of happiness).
Who is in charge of the Executive Branch?
The President.
What is one promise you make when becoming a U.S. citizen?
Obey U.S. laws.
What war was fought between the North and the South?
The Civil War.
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Because there were 13 original colonies.
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights.
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. Name one.
Provide schooling/education, provide protection, give driver’s licenses.
What are two ways Americans can participate in their democracy?
Vote, run for office, join a political party, call elected officials, volunteer, etc.
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
Fought for women’s rights.
Name one state that borders Mexico.
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.