Principles of American Government
What is the form of government of the United States?
Republic; Constitution-based federal republic; Representative democracy.
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
Name the three branches of government.
Legislative, executive, judicial
What part of the federal government writes laws?
(U.S.) Congress; national legislature; legislative branch
The President of the United States is elected for how many years?
Four (4) years
The phrase “We the People” at the start of the Constitution represents which idea about who should govern?
Self-government
How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution? (Name the process or term.)
Amendments / the amendment process.
The President is in charge of which branch?
Executive branch
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Senate and House (of Representatives)
How many terms can the President serve and which amendment limits this?
Two terms; 22nd Amendment.
What does the rule of law mean?
Everyone must follow the law; leaders and government must obey the law; no one is above the law.
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
The basic rights of Americans / people living in the United States.
What is one part of the judicial branch?
Supreme Court or federal courts
How many U.S. senators are there?
One hundred (100)
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
Forms the government; defines powers of government; defines parts of government; protects rights of the people.
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
equality, liberty, social contract, natural rights, limited government, self-government.
What does the judicial branch do? List two functions.
Reviews laws; explains laws; resolves disputes; decides if a law is unconstitutional
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
Four hundred thirty-five (435)
Name one power of the president. (Give any one.)
Signs bills into law; vetoes bills; enforces laws; commander in chief; appoints federal judges; chief diplomat
Why are there three branches of government? Give two reasons.
To prevent any one part from becoming too powerful; checks and balances; separation of powers.
Why is the Declaration of Independence important? Give two reasons.
It declares independence from Britain; says all people are created equal; identifies inherent rights and individual freedoms.
Who is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?
The President
Why does each state have two senators? (Name the historical compromise or reason.)
Equal representation for states; The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise).
What is the Electoral College important for? Provide one reason.
It officially decides who is elected president; it balances popular vote with state representation.