AMERICAN GOVERNMENT | A: Principles of American Democracy 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 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 government
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
Twenty seven (27)
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)
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