Principles of American Democracy

Question 1

What is the supreme law of the land?

Answer 1

the Constitution

Question 2

What does the Constitution do?

Answer 2

• sets up the government
• defines the government
• protects basic rights of Americans

Question 3

The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

Answer 3

We the People

Question 4

What is an amendment?

Answer 4

▪ a change (to the Constitution)

▪ an addition (to the Constitution)

Question 5

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

Answer 5

▪ the Bill of Rights

Question 6

What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

Answer 6

▪ speech
▪ religion
▪ assembly
▪ press
▪ petition the government

Question 7

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

Answer 7

twenty-seven (27)

Question 8

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Answer 8

▪ announced our independence (from Great Britain)
▪ declared our independence (from Great Britain)
▪ said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)

Question 9

What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 9

▪ life
▪ liberty
▪ pursuit of happiness

Question 10

What is freedom of religion?

Answer 10

▪ You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

Question 11

What is the economic system in the United States?*

Answer 11

▪ capitalist economy

▪ market economy

Question 12

What is the “rule of law”?

Answer 12

▪ Everyone must follow the law.
▪ Leaders must obey the law.
▪ Government must obey the law.
▪ No one is above the law.