Principles of American Democracy
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
the Bill of Rights
What are the three branches or parts of the government?
Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), Judicial (Supreme Court)
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
18 years or older
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
because the stripes represent the original 13 colonies
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
▪ speech ▪ religion ▪ assembly ▪ press ▪ petition the government
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
the Senate and House of Representatives
What are two 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
Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
▪ checks and balances
▪ separation of powers
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
▪ serve on a jury
▪ vote in a federal election
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
▪ War of 1812 ▪ Mexican-American War ▪ Civil War ▪ Spanish-American War
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Japan, Germany, and Italy
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
the Louisiana Territory
Name two U.S. territories.
▪ Puerto Rico ▪ U.S. Virgin Islands ▪ American Samoa ▪ Northern Mariana Islands ▪ Guam
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 one of Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators now?
Ron Johnson & Tammy Baldwin
What are 3 ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
▪ vote ▪ 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 ▪ call Senators and Representatives ▪ publicly support or oppose an issue or policy ▪ run for office ▪ write to a newspaper
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name the 3 major writers.
▪ James Madison
▪ Alexander Hamilton
▪ John Jay
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Speaker of the House