Principles of American Government

Question 1

What is the form of government of the United States?

Answer 1

• Republic
• Constitution-based federal republic
• Representative democracy

Question 2

What is the supreme law of the land?

Answer 2

(U.S.) Constitution

Question 3

Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.

Answer 3

• Forms the government
• Defines powers of government
• Defines the parts of government
• Protects the rights of the people

Question 4

The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?

Answer 4

• Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• (Example of) social contract

Question 5

How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

Answer 5

• Amendments

- The amendment process

Question 6

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

Answer 6

• (The basic) rights of Americans

- (The basic) rights of people living in the United States

Question 7

How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?

Answer 7

Twenty-seven (27)

Question 8

Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

Answer 8

• It says America is free from British control.
• It says all people are created equal.
• It identifies inherent rights.
• It identifies individual freedoms.

Question 9

What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

Answer 9

Declaration of Independence

Question 10

Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Answer 10

• Equality
• Liberty
• Social contract
• Natural rights
• Limited government
• Self-government

Question 11

The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?

Answer 11

Declaration of Independence

Question 12

What is the economic system of the United States?

Answer 12

• Capitalism

- Free market economy

Question 13

What is the rule of law?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Many documents influenced the U.S. Constitution. Name one.

Answer 14

• 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

Question 15

There are three branches of government. Why?

Answer 15

• So one part does not become too powerful
• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers