American government Flashcards
What is the form of government of the US
- Republic
- Constitution-based federal republic
- Representative democracy
What is the supreme law of the land
Constitution
Name one thing the US constitution does
Forms the government
defines powers of government
defines the parts of government
protects the rights of the people
The US constitution stars with the words “We the People”. What does “We the People” means?
self-government popular sovereignty consent of the governed people should govern themselves example of social contract
How are changes made to the US constitution?
Amendments
The amendment process
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
the basic rights of Americans
the basic rights of people living in the US
How many amendments does the US constitution have?
27
Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
It says America is free from British control
It says all people are created equal
It identifies inherent rights
It identifies individual freedoms
What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the US constitution
equality liberty social contract natural rights limited government self-government
The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?
Declaration of independence
What is the economic system of the US
Capitalism
Free 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
Many documents influenced the US constitution. Name one.
Declaration of independence Articles of confederation Federalist papers Anti-federalist papers Virginia Declaration of Rights
There are three branches of government. Why?
So one part does not become too powerful’
Check and balances
Separate of powers
