American Democracy
What is the supreme law of the land?
The U.S. Constitution
Name one branch or part of the government
▪ Congress ▪ legislative ▪ President ▪ executive ▪ the courts ▪ judicial
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
18 years old and up
Who was the first President?
George Washington
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
- Speech - Religion - Press - Assembly - Petition
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
▪ the Senate and House (of Representatives)
When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
April 15
What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?
▪ freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation) ▪ saved (or preserved) the Union ▪ led the United States during the Civil War
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
It represents the 50 states
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
In what month do we vote for President?
November
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
▪ serve on a jury ▪ vote in a federal election
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
▪ World War I ▪ World War II ▪ Korean War ▪ Vietnam War ▪ (Persian) Gulf War
Name one U.S. territory.
▪ Puerto Rico ▪ U.S. Virgin Islands ▪ American Samoa ▪ Northern Mariana Islands ▪ Guam
What is the economic system in the United States?
Capitalism
Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?
Sheldon Whitehouse or Jack Reed
What is one promise made by people when they become naturalized United States citizens?
▪ give up loyalty to other countries ▪ defend the Constitution and laws of the United States ▪ obey the laws of the United States ▪ serve in the U.S. military (if needed) ▪ serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed) ▪ be loyal to the United States
What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
fought for civil rights ▪ worked for equality for all Americans
What is the name of the national anthem?
Star-Spangled Banner
What does the Constitution do? (hint: 3 things)
sets up the government ▪ defines the government ▪ protects basic rights of Americans
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Secretary of: Agriculture, Labor, HHS, Defense, Commerce, Treasury, Education, Energy, Interior, etc
Attorney General and VP
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
▪ vote ▪ 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 ▪ call Senators and Representatives ▪ publicly support or oppose an issue or policy ▪ run for office ▪ write to a newspaper
What are 2 reasons colonists came to America?
▪ freedom ▪ political liberty ▪ religious freedom ▪ economic opportunity ▪ practice their religion ▪ escape persecution
Name two National Holidays.
▪ New Year’s Day ▪ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day ▪ Presidents’ Day ▪ Memorial Day ▪ Juneteenth -Independence Day ▪ Labor Day ▪ Columbus Day ▪ Veterans Day ▪ Thanksgiving ▪ Christmas