Principles
What is the form of government of the United States?
• Republic • Constitution-based federal republic • Representative democracy
What is the supreme law of the land?
• (U.S.) Constitution
Name the three branches of government.
• Legislative, executive, and judicial • Congress, president, and the courts
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
There are four amendments to the U.S. 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).
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
• Forms the government • Defines powers of government • Defines the parts of government • Protects the rights of the people
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
• Self-government • Popular sovereignty • Consent of the governed • People should govern themselves • (Example of) social contract
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
• Writes laws • Declares war • Makes the federal budget
How many U.S. senators are there?
100
What are three 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
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
• Amendments • The amendment process
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
• (The basic) rights of Americans • (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?
2
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
• (Because of) the 22nd Amendment • To keep the president from becoming too powerful
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Give up loyalty to other countries • Defend the (U.S.) Constitution • Obey the laws of the United States • Serve in the military (if needed) • Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed) • Be loyal to the United States
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality • Liberty • Social contract • Natural rights • Limited government • Self-government
Name one power of the president.
Signs bills into law • Vetoes bills • Enforces laws • Commander in Chief (of the military) • Chief diplomat • Appoints federal judges
What does the judicial branch do?
• Reviews laws • Explains laws • Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law • Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
• Vote • Run for office • Join a political party • Help with a campaign • Join a civic group • Join a community group • Give an elected official your opinion (on an issue) • Contact elected officials • Support or oppose an issue or policy • Write to a newspaper
What is the economic system of the United States?
• Capitalism • Free market economy
What is the rule of law?
• Everyone must follow the law. • Leaders must obey the law. • Government must obey the law. • No one is above the law.
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
• Advises the President (of the United States)
Who is the governor of your state now?
Andy Beshear
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
• Required by law • All people pay to fund the federal government • Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment) • Civic duty