Rights & Responsibilities
Answer is: Obey laws, pay taxes, serve on a jury, vote
What are responsibilities of U.S. citizens?
Answer: 1776
In what year was the Declaration of Independence signed?
What is the purpose of the Constitution?
To set up our government and protect citizens’ rights
Which amendment abolished (took away) slavery?
the 13th amendment
the people
In a democracy who holds the power?
Answer is: Freedom of speech, religion, press, right to vote, etc.
What are rights that U.S. citizens have?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Who was the main author of the Declaration?
Answer: ten
How many amendments are in the Bill of Rights?
Answer: says that everyone born in the U.S. is a citizen and must be treated fairly
What is the 14th amendment?
What are ways that citizens participate in a democracy?
voting, protesting, participating (in civic life)
Answer is: Citizens may face penalties such as fines, jail, or loss of privileges.
What happens if citizens don’t follow the laws?
Why did the colonists declare independence from Britain?
They wanted independence from British rule and unfair taxes.
What is the first amendment?
freedom of speech
Which amendment gave people the right to vote regardless of their race, skin color, or whether they used to be enslaved?
the 15th amendment
Answer: protects open debate, allows different opinions, and helps citizens hold leaders accountable
What is freedom of speech?
Answer is: It allows citizens to influence government and hold leaders accountable.
What is voting?
How does the Declaration of Independence say all men should be treated?
equal
As detailed in the constitution, why is the government split into three branches (parts)?
to make sure the country runs smoothly and to keep one branch from having too much power
How do the 13th-15th amendments affect us still today?
They protect the rights of and ensure equality for all citizens.
Answer: It helps solve community problems and strengthens democracy.
What is citizen participation?
How can citizens help improve their communities?Give at least 2 ways
By volunteering, joining community groups, advocating for change, and participating in local government.
What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence today?
It continues to represent the founding principles of freedom, equality, and government.
Answer: protects the rights of people accused of crimes, including the right to a fair trial, a lawyer, and protection
What is the 5th amendment?
What is the name given to the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments?
Reconstruction Amendments
What happens if citizens in a democracy do not participate?
Decisions may be made by a small group, freedoms could be taken away, and government may not reflect the wishes of the people.