Foundations of American Government
Which document stated that people have rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”?
The Declaration of Independence?
What are the three branches of the federal government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Which amendment protects freedom of speech?
The First Amendment
What is one responsibility of U.S. citizens?
Voting / serving the community / staying informed
Which level of government is MOST likely responsible for garbage collection?
Local government
Which Enlightenment thinker believed that people have natural rights and that governments exist because of a social contract?
John Locke
What principle prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances
What Supreme Court case established judicial review?
Marbury v Madison
What is the process called when an immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen?
Naturalization
What economic system is based on private ownership and free markets?
Capitalism
What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
The national government could not tax
No executive branch
No national court system
No military
Changes had to be unanmious
What type of powers are shared by both the state and national governments?
Concurrent Powers
Why are jury trials important in the American legal system?
They protect the rights of the accused and ensure fair trials
How do interest groups influence government?
By lobbying, advertising, petitioning, and encouraging public support
What is one service provided by the national government?
National defense / printing money / foreign relations
Which idea from ancient Rome influenced the United States by promoting representative government and the rule of law?
Republicanism
How does the separation of powers protect citizens’ rights in the United States government?
It prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful by dividing government responsibilities among the three branches.
What is due process?
Fair treatment according to established laws and procedures
Why are free and fair elections important in a democracy?
They protect citizens’ voices and maintain trust in government
Why might citizens disagree about whether the government should provide more services or fewer services?
People have different beliefs about taxes, government involvement, and individual responsibility in the economy.
How did the Anti-Federalists influence the final version of the U.S. Constitution?
They insisted on adding a Bill of Rights.
Why did the Founders create a federal system of government?
To balance state power with national unity and prevent authoritarian government
How did Brown v. Board of Education impact American society?
It ended legal school segregation by declaring “separate but equal” unconstitutional
A news article presents only one side of an issue, using emotional language and symbols. What techniques are being used?
Bias and Propaganda
A town has repeated flooding problems. Describe the FIRST step citizens should take to address this public policy issue.
Research the problem and identify the correct government agency or level of government