Core Principle of US Government
How do checks and balances help us create a separation of government?
Checks and balances ensure that not one branch of the US government can become more powerful than another. They all have different duties and powers that can overrule another branch.
What is the Bill of Rights, and which founding document is it featured?
The first 10 amendments outlined in the US Constitution stating our rights as citizens.
Who were the first US citizens to obtain voting rights in the US?
White men who owned land
What is the federal government?
The central body of the US government. It was established by the US Constitution and is comprised of the three branches of government. (executive, legislative, and judicial branches)
What founding documents highlighted the foundation of the US government when it was initially founded?
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
What is protected under the second amendment?
Your right as a US citizen to "bear arms" (own and carry a gun lawfully)
What amendment allowed women the right to vote?
How do state and local governments differ from the federal government?
The focus on different matters: federal deals with more international issues, while state and local deal with safety within their jurisdictions. They are also led by different elected officials: the federal government is led by the people in the three branches, the state government is led by the governors, and local governments are led by mayors/town councils.
What are the three branches of government and who are the people leading that branch?
The executive (president, judicial (supreme court), and legislative (Congress- Senate and the House of Representatives)
The freedom of speech, religion, peaceful protest (assembly), press, and to petition the government.
What was one of the controversies that led to the passing of the 26th Amendment?
The Vietnam War influenced the sentiment of "old enough to fight, old enough to vote". This was driven by political activists advocating for young soldiers who were fighting for their country while not being able to vote in local, state, or federal elections.
What are the similarities between federal, state, and local governments?
Example: They elect officials, by the people, to represent them. Federal and state governments have a Constitution they abide by. They create taxes, healthcare programs, and make decisions based on what they deem is "safe" for citizens under their jurisdiction.
What does the term federalism mean, and how is it relevant to our form of government?
This is a political system where power is divided between the federal government and state governments, with each having distinct responsibilities and some shared powers. It related to the US government because it is outlined in the Constitution.
When was the Bill of Rights ratified (passed)?
December 15, 1791
How does disenfranchisement impact the voting rights of US citizens who are/were incarcerated?
The majority of states in the US, have laws that strip away the right to vote once you are convicted of a crime.
Which states constitution is longer than the United States Constitution?
Alabama
Explain one way that any of the branches can "check" another
Example:
Judicial Branch (Supreme Court):
Which amendments state our rights surrounding the judicial system? (Think of amendments that state your rights when it comes to the police or courts)
4th: rights against unlawful search and seizure
5th: double jeopardy, self-incrimination, fair proceedings, etc.
6th: fair and speedy trial
7th: rights to an impartial jury
8th right to a fair bail
Name a historical figure who helped advance voting rights when they were alive, and say one thing that they did.
Example: Martin Luther King and his efforts in the Civil Rights Movement, Susan B. Anthony and her efforts in the suffrage movement, etc.
Explain why it is important for the US to have different "levels" of government. (federal vs state vs local)
Allows for a balance of power and allows for the different types of government to meet the diverse needs of its citizens.