Principles of American Democracy
What is the supreme law of the land?
the constitution
Name one branch or part of the government.
▪ Congress ▪ legislative ▪ President ▪ executive ▪ the courts ▪ judicial
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote). ▪ You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote. ▪ Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.) ▪ A male citizen of any race (can vote).
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
▪ Missouri (River) ▪ Mississippi (River)
Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
▪ because there were 13 original colonies
▪because the stripes represent the original colonies
What does the Constitution do?
sets up the government
▪ defines the government
▪ protects basic rights of Americans
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
▪ checks and balances
▪ separation of powers
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*
▪ serve on a jury
▪ vote in a federal election
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Pacific
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
▪ because there is one star for each state
▪ because each star represents a state
▪ because there are 50 states
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution.What are these words?
We the People
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
▪ the President
Name one right only for United States citizens
▪ vote in a federal election
▪ run for federal office
Name one U.S. territory
▪ Puerto Rico ▪ U.S. Virgin Islands ▪ American Samoa ▪ Northern Mariana Islands ▪ Guam
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner
What is an amendment?
▪ a change (to the Constitution)
▪ an addition (to the Constitution)
Who makes federal laws?
▪ Congress ▪ Senate and House (of Representatives) ▪ (U.S. or national) legislature
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
▪ freedom of expression ▪ freedom of speech ▪ freedom of assembly ▪ freedom to petition the government ▪ freedom of religion ▪ the right to bear arms
Name one state that borders Canada.
▪ Maine ▪ New Hampshire ▪ Vermont ▪ New York ▪ Pennsylvania ▪ Ohio ▪ Michigan ▪ Minnesota ▪ North Dakota ▪ Montana ▪ Idaho ▪ Washington ▪ Alaska
When do we celebrate Independence Day?*
July 4th
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
▪ the Bill of Rights
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*
▪ the Senate and House (of Representatives)
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
▪ the United States ▪ the flag
Name one state that borders Mexico
▪ California ▪ Arizona ▪ New Mexico ▪ Texas
Name two national U.S. holidays.
▪ New Year’s Day ▪ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ▪ Presidents’ Day ▪ Memorial Day ▪ Independence Day ▪ Labor Day ▪ Columbus Day ▪ Veterans Day ▪ Thanksgiving ▪ Christmas