American Government
This document sets up the government and is the supreme law of the land
The Constitution
All citizens 18 and older can do this
Vote
There are 27 of these in the Constitution
Amendments
This document was adopted in 1776
The Declaration of Independence
The President of Iran, visiting Washington, can’t believe how insulting political cartoonists are to the president! He asks the president why he allows such disrespect, and the president shrugs, and points to which Amendment?
1st Amendment – freedom of speech/press
These members of Congress are elected for 2 years
Representatives
There are 100 of these in Congress
Senators
These people in Congress represent their entire state
Senators
Harry goes to a Judge and demands a warrant to search the home of Bob Law. He says he’s got a hunch Bob’s up to no good. The Judge tells Harry he’ll need lot more than that to get a warrant – why?
4th amendment, probable cause to obtain a warrant
This document was written in 1787
The Constitution
The Bill of Rights is the first ___ amendments of the Constitution
10
We show loyalty to the flag by saying this
The Pledge of Allegiance
These stop one branch of the government from becoming too powerful
Checks and balances
The highest court in the land is known as
The Supreme Court
Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting the laws?
Judicial Branch
Mr. Casey gets a speeding ticket. When he goes to pay it, he’s told that the fine is $1 million. Mr. Casey is outraged, and claims that such a fine is unconstitutional. Why?
8th amendment, no cruel or unusual punishment, no excessive bail
The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense belong to the President's...
Cabinet
The legislative branch
Slow Joe is the world’s slowest trial lawyer. He takes so long to get through a case, that his clients wait years on average to go to trial. Client Chris doesn’t think this is constitutional? Why?
This Amendment protects people from being tried again for the same crime after a jury finds them not guilty.
These are the 3 branches of the US Government
Legislative, Judicial and Executive
This term refers to when the president, or other government officials, are formally charged with crimes
Impeachment
The power to provide schooling and education as well as make marriage laws belongs to who
The states
It costs the government a whole lot of money to build barracks and army bases for our troops—why can’t we just say that every family with an extra bedroom in their house (or a spare couch) has to let a soldier stay?
3rd amendment
When Brandon was charged with arson, his lawyer actually slept through his trial. The whole thing. He even snored. And drooled. After being sentenced to thirty years, Brandon appeals his conviction, and argues that he should have a new trial.
6th amendment, the right to a lawyer (an awake one!)