Government Basics
What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Which amendment gives you freedom of speech and religion?
The First Amendment
At what age can U.S. citizens vote in federal elections?
18
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
What does “civic engagement” mean?
Being involved in your community and government
Who is in charge of the Executive Branch?
The President)
What do you have the right to do if you are arrested?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer
What is the name of the process where people vote to choose their leaders?
An election
What is the name of the person who decides the punishment in a criminal case if there is no jury?
The judge
Name one way young people can participate in their community without voting.
Volunteering, protesting, attending meetings, petitions)
Which branch of government writes the laws in the United States?
Legislative Branch (Congress)
True or False: You must let police search your house without a warrant.
False
Why is it important for everyone, including people from low-income or immigrant communities, to participate in elections?
Because elections decide laws and policies that affect schools, healthcare, jobs, and community safety.
What is a jury’s job in a trial?
To decide if someone is guilty or not guilty
What is advocacy?
Speaking up or taking action to support a cause or policy
: What is the system called that makes sure no branch of government becomes too powerful?
Checks and balances
True or False You have to let an Ice Agent in even if they dont have a warrant?
False
What is a primary election?
An election where parties choose their candidates for the general election
What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?
Civil is between people/businesses; criminal involves breaking the law
When young people speak up about issues like police violence, immigration reform, or better schools for their community, what is that called?
Advocacy
How can local or federal government programs improve economic and social opportunities specifically for Black and Brown women in low-income communities?
: By funding programs for education, healthcare, childcare, job training, legal aid, and housing assistance.
Name two rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights besides free speech.
Right to bear arms, right to a fair trial, freedom from unreasonable searches
What is one way people can vote without going to the polls on Election Day?
Mail-in voting or early voting
What do we call the official decision a court makes at the end of a trial?
A verdict
Name one way young people can influence local government decisions—like zoning, school policies, or policing—without being able to vote yet.
They can attend city council meetings, speak at public hearings, organize or join advocacy campaigns, start petitions, or work with community organizations to push for change.