Government Basics
What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?
The Constitution.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, or petition.
Which war was fought between the North and the South in the United States?
The Civil War
What do the stripes on the American flag represent? (short answer)
The 13 original colonies.
What do citizens 18 and older have the right to do in elections?
Vote in federal elections.
Name one branch or part of the government.
The legislative branch (Congress), executive branch (President), or judicial branch (Supreme Court)
What is one responsibility that only U.S. citizens have?
Serve on a jury or vote in federal elections.
What movement sought to end racial segregation and discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s?
The Civil Rights Movement
Where is the Statue of Liberty located (city and harbor)?
New York City, New York Harbor (Liberty Island)
What is the term length for a U.S. Representative?
Two Years
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances (or separation of powers).
Define "due process" in a short phrase.
Legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person (fair legal procedures).
Who was the principal author of the Constitution?
James Madison.
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
Interpret laws and decide if laws are constitutional.
Describe one way citizens can participate in their civic life besides voting.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Name two rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.
Protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; right to indictment by a grand jury; right to due process; just compensation for eminent domain (any two).
What was the main purpose of the Federalist Papers?
To explain and promote ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
Examples: pledge allegiance, defend the Constitution, serve in the U.S. military if needed — one promise is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
What is a primary election and why is it important?
A primary selects a party's candidate for the general election; it determines who will represent the party on the ballot.
Explain the principle of federalism in one sentence.
Federalism divides power between national and state governments.
Explain the difference between a right and a responsibility and give one example of each.
A right is a guaranteed freedom (e.g., free speech); a responsibility is a duty citizens should perform (e.g., jury duty).
Describe one major effect of the Industrial Revolution on American society.
Examples: urbanization, growth of factories, migration to cities, changes in labor (students' answers should reflect understanding).
Explain the significance of the Pledge of Allegiance and one reason some people choose not to recite it.
The Pledge expresses loyalty to the nation and its ideals; some opt out for personal, religious, or political reasons; allow thoughtful student responses.
Explain how a bill becomes a law in three main steps.
Example concise steps — (1) Introduction in Congress, (2) Committee review and passage by both House and Senate, (3) President signs into law or veto; if vetoed, Congress can override by a two-thirds vote.