Principles of American Gov
What is a
- Republic
- Representative democracy
- Constitution based federal republic
Three Branches of Government
Legislative, executive, and judicial
• Congress, president, and the courts
The president can appoint who?
Federal Judges (Supreme Court Justices)
How many seats are on the Supreme Court
9
Name one thing the U.S Constitution does
• Forms the government
• Defines powers of government
• Defines the parts of government
• Protects the rights of the people
In the U.S Constitution "We do the people" means
Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• (Example of) social contract
What part of the federal government writes laws?
• (U.S.) Congress
• (U.S. or national) legislature
• Legislative branch
The president can veto __________
bills
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
• Five (5)
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government
Bill of Rights Protects
• (The basic) rights of Americans
• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States
How long is a term for a U.S. senator?
• Six (6) years
• Signs bills into law
• Vetoes bills
• Enforces laws
• Commander in Chief (of the military)
• Chief diplomat
• Appoints federal judges
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
• (For) life
• Lifetime appointment
• (Until) retirement
Name two Cabinet level positions
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Secretary of War (Defense)
Why are there three branches of Government?
• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers
Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?
1. Maggie Hassan
2. Jeanne Shaheen
James Madison is famous for
“Father of the Constitution”
• Fourth president of the United States
• President during the War of 1812
• One of the writers of the Federalist Papers
What does the judicial branch do
Reviews laws
• Explains laws
• Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the law
• Decides if a law goes against the (U.S.) Constitution
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Print paper money
• Mint coins
• Declare war
• Create an army
• Make treaties
• Set foreign policy
Why is the Declaration of Independence important? (What did it say)
• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.
Name your U.S Representative
Chris Pappas
Why is the Electoral College important?
• It decides who is elected president.
• It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
Who can veto an appoint of a federal judge?
Legislative Branch
Name one power that is ONLY for the states
Print paper money
• Mint coins
• Declare war
• Create an army
• Make treaties
• Set foreign policy
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
• (Because of) the state’s population
• (Because) they have more people
• (Because) some states have more people
Why does each state have two senators?
• Equal representation (for small states)
• The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
Dwight Eisenhower is famous for
General during World War II
• President at the end of (during) the Korean War
• 34th president of the United States
• Signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (Created the Interstate System)
Why do Supreme Court Justices serve for life
To be independent (of politics)
• To limit outside (political) influence
Name two examples of civic participation of the U.S
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 (on an issue)
• Contact elected officials
• Support or oppose an issue or policy
• Write to a newspaper
Name two powers of U.S Congress
• Writes laws
• Declares war
• Makes the federal budget
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
Citizens in their (congressional) district
• Citizens in their district
• People from their (congressional) district
• People in their district
The President of the United States can serve only two terms. Why?
(Because of) the 22nd Amendment
• To keep the president from becoming too powerful
Who is the Chief Justice of the U.S
John Roberts
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