Principles of American Government
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
27
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Executive branch
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
• The United States
• The flag
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President (of the United States)
Who appoints federal judges?
The President (of the United States)
What is the form of government of the United States?
• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy
How many senators does each state have?
2
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
• Citizens
• Citizens of the United States
• U.S. citizens
What is the capital of your state?
Austin
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
Senate and House (of Representatives)
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
Name one power of the U.S. Congress.
• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
• Vote
• Run for office
• Join a political party
• Help with a campaign
• Join a civic group
• Join a community group
• Give an elected official your opinion (on an issue)
• Contact elected officials
• Support or oppose an issue or policy
• Write to a newspaper
How many U.S. senators are there?
100
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
(John) Roberts
Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.
• Declaration of Independence
• Articles of Confederation
• Federalist Papers
• Anti-Federalist Papers
• Virginia Declaration of Rights
• Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
• Mayflower Compact
• Iroquois Great Law of Peace
Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now? • Answers will vary.
• Ted Cruz
• John Cornyn
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
• Required by law
• Civic duty
• Makes the draft fair, if needed
What does the judicial branch do?
• Reviews laws
• Explains laws
• Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
• Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
What part of the federal government writes laws?
• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature
• Legislative branch
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
• Citizens in their (congressional) district
• Citizens in their district
• People from their (congressional) district
• People in their district
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
• Required by law
• All people pay to fund the federal government
• Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th Amendment)
• Civic duty
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
• (Because of) the state’s population
• (Because) they have more people
• (Because) some states have more people
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
• Print paper money
• Mint coins
• Declare war
• Create an army
• Make treaties
• Set foreign policy