Declaration of Independence
What document was sent to England and gave "birth" to the United States? (Hint: Ultimate Breakup letter)
Declaration of Independence
What are the three parts of the US Constitution?
Preamble, Articles that create government, and Bill of Rights/Amendments
The US is a republican democracy. What does this mean?
People in the US vote for people to represent them in government.
These nine justices are the ultimate deciders of what is "constitutional" in terms of laws and actions.
The Supreme Court
What are three of the first amendment freedoms?
Speech/personal expression
Assembly/right to peacefully gather
Religion/worship as you want (or not)
Press/newspapers and journalists can inform people about government
Petition/People can ask for changes in laws etc...
What does "inalienable rights" mean?
Rights that can't be taken away or separated from you
What is the name given to the Constitution's introduction? ("We the people...")
Preamble
Why are the words "we the people" so important?
These words create a democracy where the people vote for their government (no more Kings!)
The legislative branch (Congress) is divided into what two houses? What is their main job?
House of Representatives
Senate
Make laws
Two protections under the 4th amendment?
No unreasonable searches
Must have a valid warrant
What were the three "unalienable" rights of the Declaration of Independence?
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Powers that each branch has over the other branches to make sure they work together. Example: Supreme Court gets to decide if laws are constitutional.
Checks & Balances
What is "federalism"?
Federalism means shared power between the national government in Washington and the states.
(A/B level - provide an example of state, national and shared powers...)
This document outlined a plan for governing the U.S. that we still use today.
The Constitution
Article 1 - Established the legislative branch (Congress=House of Representatives and Senate)
Article 2 - Established the Executive (President and Cabinet)
Article 3 - Established Judicial Branch - Federal courts (Supreme Court is highest court in the USA)
Name two fifth amendment rights...
No double jeopardy (can't be charged twice)
Can't testify against yourself
Government can't just take your stuff
What is a grievance?
Provide an example from the Declaration.
Complaint against the King
many answers - check out...
https://quatr.us/history/declaration-independence-united-states.htm
What is the Bill of Rights? What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments of the Constitution. Protect the rights of Americans against a too-powerful government.
This principle makes sure that the three branches work together and that no one branch is too powerful (A/B level). Provide an example
Checks and balances
* President can veto laws
* Congress can impeach President
* Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional
This document says that it is the duty of people to change or abolish the government if it does not protect the rights of citizens
The Declaration of Independence
This amendment says you get a fair jury, a lawyer (even if you can't afford one), a speedy and public trial and you get to know who is testifying against you...
The Sixth Amendment!
According to the Declaration, what is the purpose of government?
Protect the rights of citizens
What is an amendment? Why are they important?
A change to the Constitution. Allows the Constitution to change and adapt to the changes in the country.
Why is the Constitution "supreme law of the land"?
No government (state or national/federal) in the US can make any laws that go against the Constitution. If a law goes against the Constitution it is unconstitutional and is "struck down."
Winner, Winner, chicken dinner!
You have three minutes to diagram the three branches of government. The team with the most detail gets 500 points!
Three branches of government
Executive/President and Cabinet/enforce laws
Legislative/Congress (2 houses)/makes laws
Judicial/ Supreme and Federal Courts/interpret laws to make sure they are "Constitutional"
According to this amendment, you cannot be fined $1,000, 000 and go to prison for fifty years for jaywalking...
The eighth amendments (no cruel and unusual punishment and reasonable bail/fines)