Principles of American Democracy
What do we call the first ten amendments?
the Bill of Rights
Which branch is the President in charge of?
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
At age 18, between age 18 and 26
When was the Constitution written?
1787
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 supreme law of the land and what does it do?
The Constitution, it sets up the government and protects the basic rights of Americans
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances. Separation of powers
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
American Indians, Native Americans
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 is an amendment and how many do we have?
A change or addition to the Constitution, we have 27.
What is one power of the federal government?
To print money
To declare war
To create an army
To make treaties
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
Serve on a jury or vote in a federal election
The Federal Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
(James) Madison ▪ (Alexander) Hamilton ▪ (John) Jay ▪ Publius
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Pacific
What is the "rule of law"?
Everyone must follow the law, leaders must obey the law, government must obey the law and no one is above the law
The House of Representatives has how many voting memebers and how long do they serve?
We have 435 members that serve for 2 years
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
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
During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?
Communism
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Announced our independence from Great Britain
How many U.S. Senators are there? How long do they serve for?
100 senators, they serve for 6 years
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens 18 and older
You dont have to pay to vote
Any citizen can vote
A male citizen of any race
There were 13 original states. Name 3.
New Hampshire ▪ Massachusetts ▪ Rhode Island ▪ Connecticut ▪ New York ▪ New Jersey ▪ Pennsylvania ▪ Delaware ▪ Maryland ▪ Virginia ▪ North Carolina ▪ South Carolina ▪ Georgia
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States?
Missouri (River) ▪ Mississippi (River)