Principles of American Democracy

Question 1

Democratic Principles

Answer 1

Democratic Principles (Enlightenment Values) are participation, equality, tolerance, accountability, transparency, fair elections, economic freedom, proper use of power, human rights, and the rule of law.

Question 2

Representative Democracy

Answer 2

In a representative democracy the members of a society vote for leaders to represent them in the decisions and actions of the political process.

Question 3

Direct Democracy

Answer 3

In a direct democracy every member of the society participates directly in the political process.

Question 4

America’s Core Values: Liberty (1/5)

Answer 4

Liberty is the value that proclaims that people should be free to think, speak, and act as they choose as long as they do not offend the freedom and rights of others. 1) Liberty 2) Self-government 3) Equality 4) Diversity 5) Unity.

Question 5

America’s Core Values: Self-government (2/5)

Answer 5

Self-government is the value that declares that citizens have a say in how their government is run. They are the primary source of the government’s authority; they participate actively in the political process; and the government exists to promote their well-being. 1) Liberty 2) Self-government 3) Equality 4) Diversity 5) Unity.

Question 6

America’s Core Values: Equality (3/5)

Answer 6

Equality is the value that holds that all people must be treated fairly and with dignity and be able to embrace opportunities for education, economic success, political involvement, and a fulfilling life. 1) Liberty 2) Self-government 3) Equality 4) Diversity 5) Unity.

Question 7

America’s Core Values: Diversity (4/5)

Answer 7

Diversity is the value that teaches us to respect and embrace the fact that all people are unique and important no matter what their race, culture, heritage, belief system, or socio-economic status. 1) Liberty 2) Self-government 3) Equality 4) Diversity 5) Unity.

Question 8

America’s Core Values: Unity (5/5)

Answer 8

Unity is the value that maintains that the United States is one indivisible nation and that Americans are a people bound by unbreakable ties. 1) Liberty 2) Self-government 3) Equality 4) Diversity 5) Unity.

Question 9

America’s Core Principles: Popular Sovereignty (1/5)

Answer 9

Popular sovereignty means that the government operates only with the people’s consent and authority. 1) Popular Sovereignty 2) Limited Government 3) Separation of Powers 4) Checks and Balances 5) Federalism.

Question 10

America’s Core Principles: Limited Government (2/5)

Answer 10

In a limited government, the government’s powers and functions are restricted and carefully described in the Constitution and other legal documents. 1) Popular Sovereignty 2) Limited Government 3) Separation of Powers 4) Checks and Balances 5) Federalism.

Question 11

America’s Core Principles: Separation of Powers (3/5)

Answer 11

The principle of the separation of powers divides the government into three branches, each with its own purpose and functions. 1) Popular Sovereignty 2) Limited Government 3) Separation of Powers 4) Checks and Balances 5) Federalism.

Question 12

America’s Core Principles: Checks and Balances (4/5)

Answer 12

With the system of checks and balances, each branch of the government has some authority over the other two and can monitor their actions, check up on them, and thereby balance the power between them. 1) Popular Sovereignty 2) Limited Government 3) Separation of Powers 4) Checks and Balances 5) Federalism.

Question 13

America’s Core Principles: Federalism (5/5)

Answer 13

Federalism makes sure that the national government shares certain powers with the states. 1) Popular Sovereignty 2) Limited Government 3) Separation of Powers 4) Checks and Balances 5) Federalism.

Question 14

Citizenship

Answer 14

Citizenship is the status held by a person that entitles the person to rights and protection from a state and imposes upon the person certain duties to the state, including allegiance to it. Citizenship in the United States is based either upon birth or the naturalization process. Sometimes a person can be a citizen of more than one state, which is known as dual citizenship.

Question 15

Civil Society

Answer 15

Civil Society can be thought of in three different interrelated ways. First, civil society can be viewed as a goal in itself that results in a ‘good society’. Secondly, civil society can be viewed as associational life where individual citizens come together voluntarily to engage in shared interests and activities, which is outside both the purely public or purely private business sector. Finally, civil society provides a framework wherein citizens come to debate, discuss, and deliberate on the great social and political issues and problems of the day.

Question 16

Civic Duty

Answer 16

Civic duties include paying taxes, going to school, jury duty, serving as a witness in court, and selective service.

Question 17

Civic Responsibility

Answer 17

A civic responsibility is stressed as a socially good behavior to perform. Examples of civic responsibility include voting in elections, signing up for the military, volunteering in the community, participating in government politics, and holding public office.

Question 18

Naturalization

Answer 18

The naturalization process is open to those over age 18 who have permanently resided in the U.S. for 5 years. If a person is married to a U.S. citizen, they are eligible after three years of residency. There are several steps to naturalization: Step #1 - Fill out Form N-400. This is the application for naturalization. Step #2 - Complete background screening and fingerprinting. Step #3 - Interview with U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, the government entity which deals with naturalization and citizenship issues. The interview will also include English proficiency and civics tests. Step #4 - Take the Oath of Allegiance. Step #5 - Participate in naturalization ceremony, which officially grants citizenship.