The beginning text of the Constitution. It has been put to music in the past.
What is the preamble?
100
Out of nine justices of the Supreme Court, one is considered the "head honcho."
Who is the Chief Justice?
100
The United States Congress is made up of two houses. One is called the "people's house."
What is The House of Representatives?
100
We chose to separate from this kind of government. In fact, rule by a single authority was the last kind of government we wanted.
What is a Monarchy?
100
Everybody needs a support group around them, even the President. His _________ helps him with his important decisions.
What is the cabinet?
200
There are 27 amendments to our constitution. The first 10 provide the bedrock or our freedoms.
What is the Bill of Rights?
200
The superior court in the land, although there are many lesser courts throughout the nation. This court has the final say.
What is the Supreme Court?
200
The Articles of Confederation lacked the power to do this. The founders made sure Congress could levy this important source of revenue.
What are/is taxes?
200
This government type is not content to rule by bits and pieces. It wants to own everything!
What is Communism?
200
The founding fathers were smart! They knew that without these, power may shift toward a single branch or person and create tyranny.
What is checks and balances?
300
Three branches of government divide power. The branch that writes the laws also declares war!
What is the legislative branch?
300
The President and Congress hope it never comes to this; a Supreme Court that rules a law unconstitutional. This process has happened many times in our history.
What is judicial review?
300
During the Constitutional Convention, small states wanted equal representation, big states wanted proportional representation. Only this helped bring both sides together.
What is the Great Compromise?
300
It can be said that our government resembled one of these in the beginning. Eventually it became more democratic...thankfully.
What is an Oligarchy?
300
You are not required to do these, but it helps maintain a democratic society. Voting and being an educated citizen are only two examples of these.
What are Responsibilities of citizenship?
400
Upon leaving constitution hall, a woman asked Ben Franklin, "what do we have sir?", Franklin replied, "A ______, if you can keep it."
What is a Republic?
400
There is only one way for a Supreme Court ruling to be overturned. It is a long, complicated process. We currently have 27 of these.
What is a constitutional amendment?
400
Congress can pass laws, but the president may not agree to sign them. In fact he may chose to do this.
What is a veto?
400
Total freedom sounds nice, but at what cost? It's nice if someone takes charge. We need some order after all. This situation can be dangerous!
What is Anarchy?
400
The ultimate power is held by the people, since we choose our government members. The notion that people govern themselves is one we're used to.
What is Popular Sovereignty?
500
The United States government shares power with the 50 states, although the "fed" holds supreme power.
What is Federalism?
500
Congress approves Supreme Court Judges. But their nominations come from another source.
What is the President of the Unites States?
500
The house of representatives has someone who "runs the show." With 435 members, this person must speak loudly to be heard.
Who is the Speaker of the House?
500
Vatican City is a perfect example of this type of "rule by one." The leader of this government derives power from a higher source.
What is Theocracy?
500
The first 10 amendments guaranteed certain rights of the people. In fact, most of the subsequent amendments broadened these for all of us. They are non-negotiable.