Foundations of Gov
What document established the first national government for the U.S.?
The Articles of Confederation.
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution.
What are the three branches of the U.S. government?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
What is one responsibility of U.S. citizens?
Voting
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual liberties and rights from government interference.
What Enlightenment thinker influenced the idea of natural rights?
John Locke.
How many amendments are in the Constitution?
27
Who makes federal laws?
Congress.
What is one way a person can become a U.S. citizen?
By birth in the U.S. or through naturalization.
Which amendment gave women the right to vote?
The 19th Amendment.
What is the purpose of government according to the Preamble? [there are 6]
To form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote general welfare, and secure liberty.
What are the first ten amendments called?
The Bill of Rights.
What is the main job of the executive branch?
To enforce laws
What does the 14th Amendment guarantee?
Equal protection under the law and citizenship rights.
What does the 5th Amendment protect against?
Self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process of law.
What is the social contract theory?
The idea that people agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for protection by the government.
What clause allows Congress to make laws not specifically listed in the Constitution?
The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause).
What power does the judicial branch have over laws?
Judicial review.
What does due process mean?
Fair treatment through the normal judicial system.
Which amendment protects your right to a trial by jury in a criminal case?
The 6th Amendment
What principle means the government gets its power from the people?
Popular sovereignty.
What is the process for amending the Constitution?
Proposal by 2/3 of Congress and ratification by 3/4 of the states
How can Congress check the President's veto?
By overriding it with a 2/3 vote in both houses.
Name one civic duty required by law.
Serving on a jury.
What did the 13th Amendment accomplish?
It abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime