American Government Flashcards
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution
What does the constitution do?
- sets up the government
- defines the government
- protects basic rights of Americans
The idea of self-government is in the first 3 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 10 amendments of the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
What is ONE right or freedom from the 1st Amendment?
- speech
- religion
- assembly
- press
- petition the government
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
- announced our independence
- declared our independents
- said that the US is free from Great Britain
What are 2 rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- life
- liberty
- pursuit of happiness
What is the freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President
Who makes federal laws?
- Congress
- Senate and House of Representatives
- legislature
What are the 2 parts of the U.S. Congress?
The Senate and the House
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?
- Alex Padilla
- Diane Feinstein
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
90020- Jimmy Gomez
90242 Lucille Roybal-Allard
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
All the people of the state
Why do some states have more Representative than other states?
-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 now?
Joseph R. Biden
What is the name of the VP of the US 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?
Speaker of the House
Who is the Commander in CHief of the military?
The President
Who signs the bills to become laws?
The President
Who vetoes bills?
The President
What does the President’s cabinet do?
Advises the President
What are 2 cabinet-level positions?
- Secretary of Health & Human Services
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of Education
What does the judicial branch do?
- review laws
- explain laws
- resolve 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 tyhe Chief Justice of the US now?
John Roberts
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is 1 powed 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 1 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?
Gavin Newsom
What is the capital of your state?
Sacramento
What is the political party of the President of the US now?
Democrat
What is the name of the Speaker of the House now?
Nancy Pelosi
There are 4 amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them
- Citizens 18 and older
- Don’t have to pay to vote
- Any citizen can vote (both men and women)
- A male citizen of any race can vote (black too)
What is 1 responsibility that is only for US citizen?
- serve on a jury
- vote in a federal election
Name 1 right only for US citizens
- vote in a federal election
- run for federal office
What are 2 rights of everyone living in the US?
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of Religion
- Freedom of expression
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
To the flag of the United States
What is 1 promise yiou make when you become a US citizen?
- give up loyalty to other countries
- defend the Constitution and laws of the US
- obey the law of the US
- Serve the nation
- be loyal to the United States
How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
18 y/o
What are 2 ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- vote
- join a political party
- help with a campaign
- join a community group-run for office
When is the last day you can send in the federal income tax forms?
April 15th
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
- age 18
- between 18 and 26
