American Government
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 the three branches of government.
• Legislative, executive, and judicial
• Congress, president, and the courts
Why is the Electoral College important?
• It decides who is elected president.
• It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
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).
The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
• Freedom
• Political liberty
• Religious freedom
• Economic opportunity • Escape persecution
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
There are three branches of government. Why?
• So one part does not become too powerful • Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
• Five (5)
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
• Citizens
• Citizens of the United States • U.S. citizens
What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
• American Revolution
• The (American) Revolutionary War • War for (American) Independence
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.
What part of the federal government writes laws?
What part of the federal government writes laws?
• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature • Legislative branch
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
• To be independent (of politics)
• To limit outside (political) influence
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
Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
• High taxes
• Taxation without representation
• British soldiers stayed in Americans' houses (boarding, quartering)
• They did not have self-government
• Boston Massacre
• Boston Tea Party (Tea Act)
• Stamp Act
• Sugar Act
• Townshend Acts
• Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government • Self-government
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
• Six (6) years
Name one power that is only for the states.
• Provide schooling and education
• Provide protection (police)
• Provide safety (fire departments)
• Give a driver's license
• Approve zoning and land use
How can people become United States citizens?
Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
Naturalize
Derive citizenship (under conditions set by
Congress)
The American Revolution had many important events. Name one.
(Battle of) Bunker Hill
Declaration of Independence
Washington Crossing the Delaware (Battle of)
Trenton)
(Battle of) Saratoga
Valley Forge (Encampment)
(Battle of) Yorktown (British surrender at Yorktown)
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?*
• Twenty-seven (27)
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
• To more closely follow public opinion
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
• (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people
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
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius