Colonial Period and Independence
The colonists came to America for many reasons. Name one.
- Freedom
- Political liberty
- Religious Freedom
- Economic Opportunity
- Escape persecution
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
- American Indians
- Native Americans
There are four amendments to the U.S. Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
- Citizens eighteen 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).
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
- The flag
What is the supreme law of the land?
- (U.S.) Constitution
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4th, 1776
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
- Citizens
- Citizens of the United States
- U.S. citizens
Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance.
Give up loyalty to other countries, Defend the (U.S.) Constitution, Obey the laws of the Unites States, Serve in the military (if needed), Serve (help do important work for) the nation (if needed), Be loyal to the United States
The U.S. Consistution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?
Self-government, Popular sovereignty, Consent of the governed, People should govern themselves, (Example of) social contract
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
- (James) Madison
- (Alexander) Hamilton
- (John) Jay
- Publius
What group of people was taken and sold as slaves?
- Africans
- People from Africa
What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
Vote, Run for office, Join a political party, Help with a campaign, Join a civic group, Join a community group, Give an elected official your opinion, Contacted elected officials, Support or oppose an issue or policy, Write to a newspaper
It is important for all men age 18 through 25 to register for the Selective Service. Name one reason why.
- Required by law
- Civic duty
- Makes the draft fair, if needed
Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.
- Forms the government
- Defines power of the government
- Defines the parts of government
- Protects the rights of the people
What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?
- American Revolution
- The (American) Revolutionary War
- War for (American) Independence
Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
High Taxes, Taxation without representation, British soldiers stayed in Americans' houses (boarding and quartering), they did not have self-government, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party (Tea Act), Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Townshend Acts, Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
What are three rights of everyone living in the United States?
Freedom of expression, Freedom of speech, Freedom of assembly, Freedom to petition the government, Freedom of religion, The right to bear arms
How can people become United States citizens?
- Be born in the United States, under the conditions set by the 14th Amendment
- Naturalize
- Derive citizenship (under conditions set by Congress)
Name your U.S. representative.
Rudy Yakum
What founding document was written in 1787?
(U.S.) Constitution
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
- They helped people understand the (U.S.) Constitution.
- They supported passing the (U.S.) Constitution.
What is one way Americans can serve their country?
Vote, pay taxes, obey the law, serve in the military, run for office, work for local, state, or federal government
Why is it important to pay federal taxes?
- Required by law
- All people pay to fund the federal government
- Required by the (U.S.) Constitution (16th amendment)
- Civic Duty
Who elects members of the House of Representatives?
- citizens from their (congressional) district