Principles of American Democracy
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
▪ announced our independence (from Great Britain) ▪ declared our independence (from Great Britain) ▪ said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
Name one branch or part of the government.
Congress ▪ legislative ▪ President ▪ executive ▪ the courts ▪ judicial
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
▪ 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 is one reason colonists came to America?
▪ freedom ▪ political liberty ▪ religious freedom ▪ economic opportunity ▪ practice their religion ▪ escape persecution
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Pacific (Ocean)
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
Who makes federal laws?
▪ Congress ▪ Senate and House (of Representatives) ▪ (U.S. or national) legislature
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
eighteen (18) and older
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
▪ American Indians ▪ Native Americans
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C
What is the “rule of law”?
▪ Everyone must follow the law. ▪ Leaders must obey the law. ▪ Government must obey the law. ▪ No one is above the law.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
six (6)
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
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
(Thomas) Jefferson
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
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Gavin Newsom
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
▪ the Speaker of the House
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)
The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.
▪ (James) Madison ▪ (Alexander) Hamilton ▪ (John) Jay ▪ Publius
When do we celebrate Independence Day?
July 4
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
▪ Paul D. Ryan
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
▪ to print money ▪ to declare war ▪ to create an army ▪ to make treaties
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
Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
(Franklin) Roosevelt
Name one state that borders Canada.
▪ Maine ▪ New Hampshire ▪ Vermont ▪ New York ▪ Pennsylvania ▪ Ohio ▪ Michigan ▪ Minnesota ▪ North Dakota ▪ Montana ▪ Idaho ▪ Washington ▪ Alaska