American Government Flashcards
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution
What does the Constitution do?
Sets up and defines the Government, and protect 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 or an addition to the Constitution
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Contitution?
The Bill of Rights
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
Freedom of Religion / Speech / Assembly / Press / Petition the Government
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Said that the Unite States is free from Great Britain
What are TWO rights in the Declaration of Independence?
Life, Liberty and the 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 or market economy
What is the “rule of law”?
No one is above the law. Everyone, including leaders and the Government, must follow the law.
Name ONE branch or part of the government.
Legislative / Executive / Judicial / Congress / President / The Courts
What stops ONE branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances and the separation of powers.
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President.
Who makes federal laws?
The Congress / Senate and House of Representatives / The U.S. legislature
What are the TWO parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House of Representatives.
How many U.S. Senators are there?
100
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
6
Who is ONE of your state’s U.S. Senators now?
Mitt Romney and Mike Lee
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
2
Name your U.S. Representative.
John R. Curtis / Burgess Owens
Who does a U.S. Senator represents?
All people of the state.
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Because of the state’s population / because they have more people / because some states have more people
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?
Joe Biden
What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
Kamala Harris
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 - Nancy Pelosi
Who us 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
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews and Explains laws, Resolves disputes and 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?
Spencer J. Cox
What is the capital of your state?
Salt Lake City
What are the TWO major political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican
What is the political party of the President now?
Democratic Party
What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
Nancy Pelosi
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
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 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
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States and 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 U.S. military (if needed) Serve the nation Be loyal to the United States
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
18
What are TWO ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
Vote and join a community group
When is the last day you can send in federal tax forms?
April 15
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
Between 18 and 26
