Founding Documents
What document outlined the first government of the United States before the Constitution was created?
The Articles of Confederation
What are the first three words of the Constitution, which emphasize popular sovereignty?
"We the People"
Which branch of government is responsible for making the laws?
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press?
The First Amendment
What principle of the Constitution means that the government's power is derived from the people?
Popular Sovereignty
Which document, signed in 1787, created the framework for the government of the United States?
The U.S. Constitution
The phrase “to form a more perfect union” refers to which goal of the Constitution?
To create a stronger and more unified nation
Who is in charge of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government?
The President
Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
The 13th Amendment
What principle divides power between the national government and state governments?
Federalism
What were the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights
What does the Constitution aim to “establish” for the country, according to the Preamble?
Justice
Which branch of government interprets the laws and ensures they are applied fairly?
The Judicial Branch (The Courts)
Which amendment gave women the right to vote?
The 19th Amendment
Which principle of the Constitution allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches?
Checks and Balances
Which famous pamphlet, written by Thomas Paine, encouraged American colonists to support independence and the creation of a new government?
Common Sense
The Preamble mentions promoting “the general welfare.” What does this mean?
The government should work to ensure the well-being of all citizens
Which document gives the President the power to veto laws passed by Congress?
The U.S. Constitution
Which amendment ensures that all citizens have equal protection under the law?
The 14th Amendment
The concept that the government must follow the law is known as what?
Rule of Law
What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787?
To create a stronger federal government to replace the Articles of Confederation
What is meant by “securing the Blessings of Liberty” in the Preamble to the Constitution?
To protect the freedoms and rights of future generations.
What system in the Constitution ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful?
The system of checks and balances
Which amendment set the legal voting age at 18 years old?
The 26th Amendment
What principle ensures that the Constitution can be amended as society changes over time?
The Constitution's "Elastic Clause" or the principle of flexibility