Principles of American Democracy
What does the constitution do?
Sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights
Who makes federal laws?
Legislative Branch (Congress)
Vote in a federal election, run for federal office
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
Native Americans, American Indians
Political parties don't appear anywhere in the U.S. Constitution. Nevertheless, what are the two major political parties of the United States?
Democrat and Republican.
What is one right or freedom in the First Amendment?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition.
Why do some states have more Representatives than others?
Population
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
18
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves
Africans, people from Africa
What is the highest court in the land?
The U.S. Supreme Court
What do we call the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Bill of Rights
What is the name of the current Vice President?
Kamala Harris
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Freedom of expression, speech, assembly, petition the government, religion, bear arms
Who was the first president?
George Washington
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
Who is your current U.S. Representative?
Kim Schreier (or Matt Larkin if she loses on election day)
What is one responsibility only for United States citizens
vote in a federal election, run for federal office
There were 13 original states. Name three
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia
This power main power of the Supreme Court is not actually included in Article III. What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, decides if a law goes against the constitution
How many amendments does the constitution have?
27
Who is the current Chief Justice of the United States?
John Roberts
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens 18 and older can vote, you don't have to pay to vote, female citizens can vote, a male citizen of any race can vote.
What is one thing that Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
U.S. diplomat, oldest member of the Constitution Convention, first Postmaster General of the United States, writer of Poor Richard's Almanac, started the first free libraries
Provide schooling and education, provide protection (police), provide safety (fire departments), give a driver's license, approve zoning and land use