Founding Documents
Which document was the first to establish "rule of law"?
What is the Magna Carta
This is our "system" of government in which "the people rule".
What is democracy?
What famous American holiday celebrates my birthday?
What is July 4th, 1776?
How many amendments have been ratified to date?
What is 27?
What is the purpose of the Preamble?
It establishes the goals and purpose of the government.
Which document, written by Thomas Jefferson, supported the idea of freedom of religious beliefs and was later incorporated into the 1st Amendment?
What is he Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?
Which principle states that the government is not "all-powerful" and can only do what the people have given them power to do?
What is limited government?
I listed these as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...
What are unalienable rights?
What is the name of the first 10 amendments?
What is the "Bill of Rights"?
What purpose of the Preamble was being fulfilled when President Bush created the Department of Homeland Security after the terrorist attack on 9/11?
To provide for the common defense
This document guaranteed settlers in the colonies the same rights as Englishmen.
What is the Charters of the Virginia Company of London?
When people elect office holders to make decisions on their behalf it is referred to as...
What is representative government?
Who wrote me?
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
Why is the number of Constitutional amendments so small?
Because the process to change it is complex (difficult)
What purpose of the Preamble is being fulfilled when the government sends FEMA to help in Texas after a hurricane?
What is to promote the general welfare?
This document, written by George Mason, would outline basic freedoms and later become the model for the Bill of Rights.
What is the Virginia Declaration of Rights?
Our Constitution begins with , "We the People", and stresses that the people are the source of all government power and the people must give their permissions. This principle is known as...
Consent of the governed
What does "unalienable" mean?
What is can't be separated?
What does "amend" mean?
What is "to change"?
What purpose of the Preamble is being fulfilled when the Supreme Court decided that everyone must be read their "Miranda Rights" if they are arrested?
What is establish justice?
This document established the first national government, but had many flaws, including no ability to tax or enforce laws, and left major power at the state level. These problems would lead to the writing of the US Constitution.
What is The Articles of Confederation?
This principle states that everyone, including government officials must obey the laws.
What is rule of law?
List one thing the DOI accomplished.
It stated that all men are created equal
It declared the colonies independent from Great Britain
What are the 2 steps to amend the Constitution?
suggested with 2/3 vote in both chambers of Congress
ratified by 3/4 vote in the states
What purpose of the Preamble was fulfilled when the 26th Amendment was passed, changing the voting age from 21 to 18?
What is a more perfect union?