American Goverment Flashcards
What is the supreme law of the land?
the Constitution
What does the Constitution do?
- sets up the government
- defines the government
- protects the basic rights of Americans
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
We the People
What is an amendment?
a change (to the Constitution) an addition (to the Constitution)
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
the Bill of Rights
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
- speech
- religion
- assembly
- press
- petition the goverment
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
- announced our independence (from GB)
- declared our independence (from GB)
- said that the United States is free (from GB)
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- life
- liberty
- pursuit of happiness
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
What is the economic system in the United States?
- capitalist economy
* market economy
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
Name one branch or part of the government.
- Congress
- legislative
- President
- executive
- the courts
- judicial
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- checks and balances
* separation of powers
What is in charge of the executive branch of the government?
the President
Who makes federal laws?
- Congress
- Senate and House (of Representatives)
- (US or national) legislature
What are two parts of the US Congress?
the Senate and the House
How many US Senators are there?
100
California Senators (2017):
Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein
We elect a US Senator for how many years?
6
Who is one of your state’s US Senators now?
Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein
California Senators 2017
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
based on 10 year census
We elect a US Representative for how many years?
2
Name your US Representative
Barbara Lee
California’s 13th Congressional District 2017
Who does a US Senator represent?
all the people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
- (because of) the state’s population
We elect a President for how many years?
4
In what month do we vote for President?
November
What is the name of the President of the United States now?
Donald Trump
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Mike Pence
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Vice President
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the Speaker of the House
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
the President
Who signs bills to become law?
the President
Who vetoes bills?
the President
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
advises the President
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Vice President Attorney General Secretary of ... * Agriculture * Commerce * Defence * Education * Energy * ...
What does the judicial branch do?
- reviews laws
- explains laws
- resolves disputes
- decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the United States?
the Supreme Court
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9
Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?
John Roberts
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
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
- provide schooling and education
- provide protection
- provide safety
- give a driver’s license
- approve zoning and land use
Who is the Governor of your state now?
Jerry Brown
California Governor 2017
What is the Capital of your state?
Sacramento, California
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican
What is the political party of the President now?
Republican
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Paul Ryan
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
- Citizens 18 and older can vote
- You don’t have to pay to vote
- Any citizen can vote (women and men can vote)
- A male citizen of any race can vote
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
- serve on a jury
* vote in a federal election
Name one right only for United States citizens.
- vote in a federal election
* run for federal office
What are two rights for 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
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
- the United States
* the flag
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 US military (if needed)
- serve the nation (if needed)
- be loyal to the United States
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
18 and older
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
When is the last day you can send in your federal income tax forms?
April 15
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
- at age 18
* between 18 and 26
