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
What do we show our loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The flag (representing the US)
Who lived in American before the Europeans arrived?
Native Americans/American Indians
What territory did the US buy from France in 1803?
The Louisiana Territory
What are the first three words of the Constitution?
We the People
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President
How old do citizens have to be to vote for president?
18
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
The Civil War
What is an amendment?
A change or addition to the Constitution
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
What is one responsibility that is only for US citizens?
Serve on a jury
Name 3 of the original colonies.
Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia
What is not a factor leading to the Civil War?
Environmental concerns
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What are the two parts of the US Congress?
House of Representatives
Name one right only for US citizens.
Vote in a federal election
When was the Constitution written?
1787
Name one war fought by the US in the 1800s.
The Civil War
What are the rights or freedoms of the first amendment?
Speech
Religion
Assembly
Press
Petition the government
What are the three branches of the government?
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
Name two of the people who wrote the Federalist Papers?
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
Freed slaves in the Confederate states