Organization
What is the purpose of a government?
To maintain order, provide security, and facilitate the welfare of its citizens.
What is a constitution?
A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms and rights.
Describe the principle of separation of powers.
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
How do laws get passed?
Laws are proposed, debated, and voted on by the legislative branch, then signed by the executive branch.
What is federalism?
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states).
What is the role of citizens in a democracy?
To participate in civic duties such as voting, staying informed, and engaging in community service.
Explain the role of checks and balances.
A system that ensures that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups by providing each branch of government with the means to counteract the others.
Define civic engagement.
The active participation of citizens in the political and civic life of their community, which includes voting, volunteering, and advocacy.