Principles of American Government
What is the supreme law of the land?
(U.S.) Constitution
Who vetoes bills?
The President (of the United States)
What is one way Americans can serve their country?
• Vote • Pay taxes
• Obey the law
• Serve in the military
• Run for office
• Work for local, state, or federal government
How are changes made to the Constitution?
Amendments
The amendment process
The executive branch has many parts. Name one.
• President (of the United States)
• Cabinet
• Federal departments and agencies
What is the economic system of the United States?
• Capitalism
• Free market economy
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
6 years
How can people become United States citizens?
• Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
• Naturalize
• Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
5
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
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government
Name one power of the president.
• Signs bills into law
• Vetoes bills
• Enforces laws
• Commander in Chief (of the military) • Chief diplomat
• Appoints federal judges
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
• (The basic) rights of Americans
• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
Who elects U.S. senators?
Citizens from their state
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom to petition the government
• Freedom of religion
• The right to bear arms
What is the rule of law?
• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.
Who is the governor of your state now?
Greg Abbott
There are three branches of government. Why?
• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advises the President (of the United States)
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
• Give up loyalty to other countries
• Defend the (U.S.) Constitution
• Obey the laws of the United States
• Serve in the military (if needed)
• Serve (help, do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• Be loyal to the United States
The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?
• Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• (Example of) social contract
Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?
To more closely follow public opinion