U.S. Constitution
These are the famous first three words of the U.S. Constitution.
What is "We the People"?
This branch of government, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for writing and passing laws.
What is the Legislative Branch?
If the President or a federal judge breaks the law or abuses their power, Congress can use this special process to put them on trial and potentially remove them from office.
What is impeachment?
This is the name of the system where power is shared and divided between the national government and the 50 state governments.
What is federalism?
This highest level of government, located in Washington, D.C., has the power to print money and declare war.
What is the federal (or national) government?
This is the name given to the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, which protect our basic rights.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The President of the United States is the head of this branch, which is in charge of carrying out and enforcing the laws.
What is the Executive Branch?
Even if the President vetoes a bill, Congress can still turn it into a law if they vote again and get this fraction of members to agree. Response:
What is two-thirds (2/3)?
Under the rules of federalism, only the national government is allowed to print this, which we use to buy things every day.
What is money?
A governor is the head of this level of government, which has the power to issue driver's licenses and oversee public schools.
What is the state government?
The Constitution divides the government into this many branches to make sure no one part gets too much power.
What is three?
The Supreme Court is the highest court in this branch, which makes sure laws are fair and agree with the Constitution.
What is the Judicial Branch?
When a spot opens up on the Supreme Court, this person has the power to nominate, or choose, the new justice.
Who is the President?
Because powers are divided, the state governments are the ones in charge of setting up and running these places where kids go to learn.
What are public schools?
This level of government is closest to you, is usually led by a mayor, and takes care of city services like trash collection and fire departments.
What is the local (or city/town) government?
This Founding Father is known as the "Father of the Constitution" and later became the 4th President of the United States.
Who is James Madison?
This is the name of the system that allows each branch to limit the power of the other two, making sure no single branch becomes too powerful.
What are checks and balances?
After the President chooses a new Supreme Court justice, this specific part of the Legislative Branch must vote to approve them before they get the job.
What is the Senate?
Both the national government and state governments share the power to collect these from citizens to pay for things like roads, parks, and the military.
What are taxes?
Even though they have different powers, both the federal and state levels share the power to collect these to pay for things like roads and parks.
What are taxes?
The First Amendment protects several rights, including the freedom of religion and the freedom of this, which allows you to share your ideas and opinions.
What is speech? (or What is freedom of speech?)
If the President does not agree with a new bill passed by Congress, they can use this special power to reject it.
What is a veto?
The Judicial Branch can check the power of the other two branches by looking at a law and declaring it to be this, meaning it breaks the rules of the Constitution.
What is unconstitutional?
While state governments are run from state capitals, the national (or federal) government is located in this important city.
What is Washington, D.C.?
Making treaties and signing agreements with other countries is a special power that belongs only to this level of government.
What is the federal (or national) government?