Principles of American Democracy
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
. checks and balances
. separation of powers
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
. Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
. You don't have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
. Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
. A male citizen of any race (can vote).
What is one reason colonists came to America?
. freedom
. political liberty
. religious freedom
. economic opportunity
. practice their religion
. escape persecution
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
. the Louisiana Territory
. Louisiana
What does the Constitution do?
. sets up the government
. defines the government
. protects basic rights of Americans
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*
. the Senate and House (of Representatives)
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
. freedom of expression
. freedom of speech
. freedom of assembly
. freedom to petition the government
. freedom of religion
. the right to bear arms
There were 13 original states. Name three.
. New Hampshire
. Massachusetts
. Rhode Island
. Connecticut
. New York
. New Jersey
. Pennsylvania
. Delaware
. Maryland
. Virginia
. North Carolina
. South Carolina
. Georgia
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
. War of 1812
. Mexican-American War
. Civil War
. Spanish-American War
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
How many U.S. Senators are there?
one hundred (100)
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
eighteen (18) and older
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
. (James) Madison
. (Alexander) Hamilton
. (John) Jay
. Publius
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
. fought for women's rights
. fought for civil rights
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
. life
. liberty
. pursuit of happiness
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
four hundred thirty-five (435)
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*
April 15
Who is the "Father of Our Country"?
(George) Washington
Who was President during World War I?
(Woodrow) Wilson
What is the economic system in the United States?
. capitalist economy
. market economy
What does the President's Cabinet do?
advises the President
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
. at age eighteen (18)
. between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26)
When was the Constitution written?
1787
During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Communism