Foundational Documents
The Amendments
Participating in Gov.
Influences on Gov.
3 Branches
100

Signed in 1776, this document was written by Thomas Jefferson and listed the colonists grievances against King George III. 

The Declaration of Independence
100

Right to Bear Arms

2nd

100

This political ideology tends to value change and favors government involvement in solving society's issues. 

Liberal

100

In the U.S., we have what kind of party system?

Two party system

100

Name ONE of Iowa's current Congress members.

Senate - Chuck Grassley; Joni Ernst

House - Ashley Hinson; Zach Nunn; Randy Feenstra; Marianette Miller-Meeks

200

"The Supreme Law of the Land;" or the framework of our current system of American government.

The U.S. Constitution

200
Protection from Cruel/Unusal Punishment & Excessive Fines/Bails

8th

200

This political ideology tends to value traditional principles and emphasizes the responsibility of the individual to thrive in society. 

Conservative

200

These types of elections are held early in an election year to narrow down the field of candidates:

Primaries/caucuses

200

If President Trump deployed troops to Ukraine to assist in their war efforts, he would be filling which role of the President?

Commander in Chief

300

America's first (unsuccessful) attempt at a system of government.

Articles of Confederation

300

Protection from self-incrimination (Miranda Rights)

5th

300

What is one example from history of how voting has been restricted?

Poll tax; literacy test; Grandfather clause; Voter ID laws

300

The Electoral College is a system to help us finalize the winner of the Presidency. Where does the total number of available votes (538) come from?

Number of senators + representatives + 3 for D.C.

300

Who has the power to confirm (approve) Presidential appointments to the Cabinet or Supreme Court?

Legislative Branch (Senate)

400

Signed by the pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony, this document established the first example of "self-government."

Mayflower Compact

400

Protected right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

15th

400

The 19th Amendment expanded the electorate by granting which group the right to vote?

Women

400

Interest groups seek to impact government by directly contacting lawmakers. This is known as:

Lobbying

400

If the President vetoes a bill passed by Congress, how might the other branches use "checks & balances" against him/her?

Congress can override veto by 2/3 vote of both houses

500

From 1215, this document provided the first example of limited government, which provided English nobility with some say in taxes and punishments. 

Magna Carta

500

Lowered voting age from 21 to 18

26th

500

Someone who votes for candidates from both parties in the same election:

Split-ticket voter

500

This group is allowed to raise unlimited amounts of funding for a political candidate as long as they are not directly tied to the candidate or their party:

Super PAC's

500

Decided in 1954, this landmark Supreme Court case ruled "separate but equal" is invalid in maintaining segregated spaces between races. 

Brown v. Board of Education