Declaration of Independence
What founding document said the American Colonies were free from Britian?
Declaration of Independence
What is the supreme law of the land?
U.S. Constitution
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
Amendment
Amendment process
What is the form of government of the United States?
Republic
Constitution-based federal republic
Representative democracy
What document defines the powers of each of the 3 branches of the U.S. government?
U.S. Constitution
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
Declaration of Independence
Federalist Papers
Mayflower Compact
Articles of Confederation
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
Twenty-seven (27)
What is the economic system of the United States?
Capitalism
Free market economy
What is the other name for the Legislative branch?
Congress
When was the Declaration of Independence written?
July 4, 1776
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
What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution called?
Bill of Rights
What is the rule of law?
Everyone must follow the law
Government leaders must obey the law
No one is above the law
What are the two parts of Congress?
The Senate
The House of Representatives
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It says all people are created equal.
It identifies inherent (natural) rights.
It identifies individual freedoms.
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?
Self-government
People should govern themselves
Consent of the governed (people)
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
Rights of Americans
Rights of the people living in the United States
Why are there three branches of government?
So one part does not become too powerful.
Checks and balances
Separation of powers
What are the members of each of these branches called?
Senator for the Senate
Representative (or Congressman) for the House
The words "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
Name two important ideas from the U.S. Constitution.
Equality
Liberty
Natural (inherent) rights
Self-government
Limited government
Name one right in the First Amendment.
Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech
Freedom of the press
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of petition
Name the three branches of the U.S. government.
Legislative
Executive
Judiciary (Judicial)
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
Write laws
Declare War
Make the federal budget