Declaration of Independence
Who wrote Common Sense, urging colonists to rule themselves?
Thomas Paine
What was the first governing document of the U.S.?
Articles of Confederation
What is the supreme law of the United States?
Constitution
How many amendments are in the Bill of Rights?
10 amendments
Which government handles foreign policy?
Federal government
Who wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Why was the government under the Articles of Confederation considered weak? (4 possible reasons)
Weak government: couldn’t enforce laws, collect taxes, or maintain a military
What are the first three words of the Constitution?
“We the People”
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech?
1st Amendment
Which level of government is responsible for public schools?
State Government
In the Declaration, what three rights did Jefferson say people have?
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.
What problem did large and small states face regarding voting in Congress? 2 parts
Large states wanted votes based on population; small states wanted one vote per state
What branch of government interprets the laws?
Judicial Branch
Which amendment protects the right to bear arms?
2nd Amendment
Who is in charge of printing money?
Federal government (Treasury, money)
What is the preamble of the Declaration of Independence?
Explaining why independence was necessary.
What compromise solved the debate between large and small states?
Great Compromise: Senate favors small states, House favors large states
How many branches of government are there?
Three branches: legislative, executive, judicial
How is the Constitution a living document?
Government can add amendments over time.
Which government is responsible for maintaining roads and highways?
State government
Why was it dangerous to sign the Declaration of Independence?
could be killed; punishable by death.
According to the Articles of Conferderation, how would changes be accepted?
What are additions to the Constitution called?
Amendments
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th Amendment
Who maintains the state militia (National Guard)?
State government (National Guard)