Principles of American Democracy
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
Who makes federal laws?
Congress, Senate and House (of Representatives), (U.S. or national) legislature
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
serve on a jury, vote in a federal election
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
Missouri (River), Mississippi (River)
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
checks and balances, separation of powers
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
the United States, the flag
Why did the colonists fight the British?
▪ because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
▪ because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
▪ because they didn’t have self-government
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
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
all people of the state
There are four amendments to the 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 one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
▪ War of 1812
▪ Mexican-American War
▪ Civil War
▪ Spanish-American War
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
▪ because there is one star for each state
▪ because each star represents a state
▪ because there are 50 states
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Speaker of the House
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Communism
Name one state that borders Canada.
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Alaska
What is the economic system in the United States?
capitalist economy, market economy
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
provide schooling and education, provide protection (police), provide safety (fire departments), give a driver’s license, approve zoning and land use
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, obey the laws of the United States, serve in the U.S. military (if needed), serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed), be loyal to the United States
Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Creek, Blackfeet, Seminole, Cheyenne, Arawak, Shawnee, Mohegan, Huron, Oneida, Lakota, Crow, Teton, Hopi, Inuit
Name two national U.S. holidays.
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas