Main 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?
U.S. Constitution
Name one thing the US constitution does.
Forms the government.
Defines powers of government.
Defines the parts of government.
Protects the right of the people.
The constitution starts with the words “we the people “. What does “we the people” mean?
Self-government
Popular sovereignty
Consent of the governed
People should govern themselves
(Example of) social contract
How are changes made to the 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 United States
How many amendments does the 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 freedom
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 documents?
Declaration of Independence
What is the economic system of the United States?
Capitalism
Free market economy
What is the rule of law?
Every one 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
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
Mayflower Compact
Iroquois Great Law of Peace
There are three branches of government. Why
So one part does not become too powerful
Checks and balances
Separation of powers
Name three branches of government.
Legislative, executive and judicial
Congress, president and the Courts
The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?
Executive branch
Which part of the federal government writes laws?
(US) Congress
(US or national) legislature
Legislative branch
What are the two parts of the US Congress?
Senate and House (of Representatives)
Name one power of the US Congress.
Writes laws
Declares war
Makes the federal budget
How many senators are there?
100
How long is a term for a US senator?
Six years
Senators of NJ
House member
District
Senators
Robert Menendez
Cory A. Booker
House
Mikie Sherril
District 11
How many members in House of Representatives?
435
How long is term for a member of the House of Representatives?
Two years
Why do US representative serve shorter terms than senators?
To more closely follow public opinion
How many senators does each state have?
2
Why does each state have two senators?
Equal representation (for small states)
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
House Speaker
Nancy Pelosi
Who does a US senator represent?
Citizens of their state
Who elects senators?
Citizens from their state
Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?
Citizens in their (congressional) district
Citizens in their district
Who elects members of HoR?
Citizens from their (congressional) district
Some states have more representatives than other states. Why?
Because of the state’s population
Because they have more people
The president of the US is elected for … years.
Four (4)
The president can serve only two terms. Why?
Because of 22nd amendment
To keep the president from becoming too powerful
Name of president
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Vice President
Kamala Harris
If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?
The Vice President
Name one power of the president
Signs bills into law
Vetoes bills
Enforces laws
Commander in Chief of the military
Chief diplomat
Who is commander in chief of US military
The President
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President
Who Vetoes bills?
The President
Who appoints federal judges?
The President
The executive branch has many parts. Name one
President
Cabinet
Federal departments and agencies
What does the President’s Cabinet do?
Advices the President
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
Attorney General Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Defense Secretary of Education Secretary of Energy Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Labor Secretary of State Secretary of Transportation Secretary of the Treasury Secretary of Veterans Affairs Vice President
Why is the Electoral College important?
It decides who is elected president.
It provides a compromise between the popular election of the president and congressional selection.
What is one part of the judicial branch?
Supreme Court
Federal Courts
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws
Explains laws
Resolves disputes (disagreements) about the laws
Decides if a law goes against the US constitution
What is the highest court in the US?
Supreme Court
How many seats are on the Supreme Court?
Nine (9)
How many Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case?
Five (5)
How long do Supreme Court justices serve?
For life
Lifetime appointment
Until retirement
Supreme Court justices serve for life. Why?
To be independent of politics.
To limit outside political influence
Who is the Chief Justice of the US now?
John G. Roberts, Jr.
Name one power that is only for the federal government.
Print paper money
Mint coins
Declare war
Create an army
Make treaties
Set foreign policy
Name one power that is only for the states.
Provide schooling and education
Provide protection (police)
Provide safety (fire departments)
Give a driver’s license
Approve zoning and land use
What is the purpose of the 10 th Amendment?
It states that the powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.
Who is the governor of your state now?
Phil Murphy
What is the capital of your state?
Trenton
