Founding Documents
What document declared the American colonies’ independence from Great Britain in 1776?
What is the Declaration of Independence?
How many branches of government does the United States have?
What are three branches?
Name one freedom protected by the First Amendment.
What is freedom of speech?
(Also acceptable: religion, press, assembly, petition)
Name one responsibility that is only for U.S. citizens.
What is voting in federal elections?
(Also acceptable: serving on a jury)
Who was the first President of the United States?
What is George Washington?
What document is the supreme law of the land in the United States?
What is the Constitution?
Which branch of government makes the laws?
What is the legislative branch?
What right does the Fifth Amendment protect regarding self-incrimination?
What is the right to remain silent?
Why do citizens serve on juries?
What is to ensure fair trials and citizen participation in the justice system?
What war was fought to end slavery in the United States?
What is the Civil War?
What document was added to the Constitution to protect individual rights and liberties?
What is the Bill of Rights?
What is the main responsibility of the judicial branch?
What is interpreting the laws and deciding if they are constitutional?
Why is freedom of religion divided into two clauses?
What is because it prevents the government from establishing a religion and protects the free exercise of religion?
How does voting influence government policy?
What is by allowing citizens to choose representatives and influence laws and policies?
Why did the United States fight in World War II?
What is to oppose Axis powers and defend democracy after attacks like Pearl Harbor?
Why were the Articles of Confederation replaced by the Constitution?
What is because the Articles of Confederation created a weak national government that could not tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws?
How do checks and balances prevent one branch from becoming too powerful?
What is by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the other branches?
How does the Bill of Rights protect minority opinions?
What is by limiting government power and ensuring individual rights even when they are unpopular?
Why is paying taxes considered a civic responsibility?
What is because taxes fund government services such as schools, roads, and national defense?
How did the Civil Rights Movement expand democratic ideals?
What is by ending segregation, protecting voting rights, and expanding equality under the law?
How does the Constitution balance power between the national government and the states?
What is by dividing power between the federal and state governments through federalism?
Why did the Framers believe separating powers into three branches was necessary?
What is to prevent tyranny by ensuring no single group holds all government power?
Explain why freedom of speech is not considered an absolute right.
What is because speech can be limited if it threatens public safety, order, or the rights of others?
Explain how civic participation strengthens democracy in the United States.
What is because active participation promotes accountability, representation, and democratic decision-making?
In what ways has the Constitution been able to adapt to changing American society?
What is through amendments and judicial interpretation that allow the Constitution to remain relevant?