Civics Basics
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Announced our independence (from Great Britain)
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Speech; religion; assembly; press; petition the government
What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Joseph Biden
What does the Constitution do?
Sets up the government; defines the government; protects basic rights of Americans
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
The Civil War
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances
What is the economic system in the United States?
Capitalist economy; market economy
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Kamala Harris
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation); saved (or preserved) the Union
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and House (of Representatives)
Name one power of the federal government.
To print money; to declare war; to create an army; to make treaties
Who is your Senator now?
Chuck Schumer; Kirstin Gillibrand
What is the "rule of law"
Everyone must follow the law.
Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Germany, Japan, Italy
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
Speaker of the House
What is one power of the states?
Provide schooling and education; provide protection (police); provide safety (fire departments)
Who is your representative in the House?
Ritchie Torres
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
because of the state's population
What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?
U.S. diplomat; oldest member at the Constitutional Convention
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws; explains laws; resolves disputes (disagreements); decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and obey the laws of the United States
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advises the President