SECTION A: 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