American Foundations
What is one reason the American colonies rebelled against Britain?
unfair taxation, violation of civil liberties, British soldiers stayed in Americans’ houses, They did not have self-government, Boston Massacre, Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Townshend Acts, Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
What economic system does America currently have?
capitalism, market (or mixed market)
The President is elected for how many years?
4
What is a right that ONLY citizens have?
Voting in elections, holding federal office, serving on a jury
Name ONE thing Abraham Lincoln is famous for and ONE thing George Washington is famous for.
Emancipation Proclamation, Saved the Union, Led the United States during the Civil War, Delivered the Gettysburg Address
“Father of Our Country”, First president of the United States, General of the Continental Army, President of the Constitutional Convention
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
it is based on the state’s population
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What is protected by the 1st amendment? (name ALL 5 things)
Speech, press, petition, assembly, religion
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington DC
What was the Constitution written to do?
Form the federal government, define powers of the federal government, define the parts of federal government, protect the rights of the people
Why is the 10th Amendment important?
it reserves some power for the state, it limits the reach of federal power, it supports local and state level democracy
What branch of government makes the laws?
Legislative (Congress- House of Representatives and Senate)
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
The basic rights of Americans, basic rights of all people living in the United States, rights of people to be safe from their government
The US Constitution starts with the words "We the People". What is the significance of this phrase?
Self-government, Popular sovereignty, Consent of the governed, People should govern themselves
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
provide schooling and education, provide protection (police), provide safety (fire departments), give a driver’s license, approve zoning and land use
Why do Supreme Court justices serve for life?
to avoid being part of the political cycle, to limit political influence, to avoid having to 'run for reelection' or campaign for favor
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9
Name any 3 rights that everyone in the United States has, regardless of status.
Freedom of speech, Freedom of assembly, Freedom to petition the government, Freedom of religion, The right to bear arms, The right to due process, The right to fair treatment based on ethnicity or race
What are two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?
Any two: Equality, Liberty, Social contract, Natural rights, inalienable rights, Limited government, Self-government (or government by the people, democracy)
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government, not the states. What is one power that belongs to the legislative branch of the federal government?
declaring war, printing money, writing treaties,
Many documents influenced the Constitution. Name one.
Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Virginia Declaration of Rights, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, Mayflower Compact, Haudenosaunee Law of Peace
DAILY DOUBLE - must be able to answer both correctly!
How long is the term for a US Senator and the term for a member of the House of Representatives?
6 years and 2 years
naturalization; 14th
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.