A
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What is the supreme law of the land?
The US Constitution
How are changes made to the US Constitution?
Amendments
The amendment process
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Declaration of Independence
Name one thing the US Constitution does.
Forms the government.
Defines the power of the government.
Defines the parts of government.
Protects the rights of the people.
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
There are three branches of government. Why?
So one part does not become too powerful
Checks and balances
Separation of powers
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It says:
America is free from British control.
All people are created equal.
Identifies inherent rights.
Identifies individual freedoms.
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.
The US Constitution starts with, "We the people." What does "We the people" mean?
Self-government
Popular sovereignty
Consent of the governed
People should govern themselves
Social contract
What is the economic system of the United States?
Capitalism
Free market economy
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
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
The basic rights of Americans
The basic rights of the people living in the U.S.
Name 2 important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Equality • Liberty • Social contract • Natural rights • Limited government • Self-government
What is the form of government of the US?
Republic
Constitution-based federal republic
Representative democrarcy