Citizenship & Responsibilities
What are the two main paths to citizenship?
Birthright and Naturalization
Who is often called the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
What does the word “democracy” literally mean in Greek?
Rule by the people
What English document in 1215 first limited the king’s power?
Magna Carta
Which French writer identified five key American values in Democracy in America?
Alexis de Tocqueville
What is one fundamental civic duty required of all U.S. citizens to support the justice system?
Jury Duty
What compromise created a bicameral legislature with both population-based and equal representation?
The Great Compromise
What principle says government power comes from the people?
Popular Sovereignty
Which Enlightenment thinker argued for natural rights of life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
What does “E Pluribus Unum” mean?
Out of many,one
What is the consequence for failing to register for Selective Service as a male citizen?
Fines, prison time, and loss of federal benefits like student loans
What is the main purpose of the Supremacy Clause?
To establish federal law as the supreme law of the land.
Give one way the U.S. balances majority rule with minority rights.
Bill of Rights protections, Judicial Review, Constitutional limits
How did the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois League) Confederacy influence U.S. government?
Federalism- like structure, unity with local autonomy
Which of Tocqueville’s values emphasizes self-reliance and personal responsibility?
Individualism
Why are taxes called the “price of civilization”? Give one example of what taxes fund.
They fund services such as defense, education, infrastructure
In Federalist No. 10, Madison argued that a large republic was best for controlling what?
Factions
How would you properly define freedom within the constitutional bounds of our US Government system?
The ability to choose under some level of authority to ensure the safety and responsibility of all people.
Why did Shays’ Rebellion reveal the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It showed the national government could not maintain order or respond effectively.
Give one modern example of a constitutional issue balancing liberty with security
Digital privacy, campaign finance, national security vs. free speech
List and explain the four steps to becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States.
1. Eligibility
2. Fill out documentation
3. Take the Naturalization Test (60%)
4. Swear and Oath of Allegiance
What was the main Anti-Federalist objection to the Constitution, and how was this issue resolved?
They feared a too-powerful central government and no guaranteed rights; resolved with the Bill of Rights being promised and later ratified.
What principle says the law applies to everyone, even government leaders, and what famous U.S. event showed this in action?
Rule of Law; example — President Nixon being required to turn over White House tapes during Watergate
What Enlightenment thinker influenced the U.S. Constitution with the idea of separation of powers, and how was this reflected in the branches of government?
Baron de Montesquieu; reflected by dividing power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
How does the motto “E Pluribus Unum” connect to America’s identity as a nation of immigrants?
it represents unity formed from diverse people, states, and backgrounds.