Unit 3 Celebrate Freedom

Question 0

Constitution

Answer 0

Written rules and procedures, or laws, of a government ruled by representatives chosen by the people.

Later countries and states will write similar constitutions to govern them, like Texas.

Question 1

Declaration of Independence

Answer 1

Document written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by 56 colonists declaring Americans independence from Great Britain. Then presented to citizens to encourage participation in revolutionary war leading to independence of the United States of America.

Later will be closely followed for other revolutions such as the French, Mexican and Texas Revolutions.

Question 2

Separation of Powers

Answer 2

Constitution divides the power to govern between 3 Branches of Government

Question 3

3 Branches of Government consist of

Answer 3

Executive
Legislative
Judicial

Question 4

Executive Branch

Answer 4

Enforces the laws

Consists of head leader and their cabinet of advisors

Question 5

Legislative Branch

Answer 5

Interprets the laws

Consists of congressmen and representatives

Question 6

Judicial Branch

Answer 6

Interprets the laws

Consists of the courts and judges

Question 7

Republicanism

Answer 7

Citizens elect representatives to carry out their will or to govern us.

Question 8

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 8

The governments right to rule comes from the people.

Question 9

Individual Rights

Answer 9

The Constitution protects individual rights such as freedom of speech.

“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” in the Declaration of Independence
The Bill of Rights in the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution

Concepts included in most states constitutions as well.

Question 10

Federalism

Answer 10

Level of government

Division of power between the federal government and the states

National, (Federal)
State
Local

Question 11

Limited Government

Answer 11

Government has only the powers that the Constitution gives to it

Question 12

Checks and Balances

Answer 12

Where each branch of government has the power to check or limit the actions of the other two.

Examples:
President can veto a bill of congress.
Congress may impeach a president.
Supreme court may declare a law is unconstitutional.

Question 13

Similarities of the TX and US Constitutions

Answer 13

3 Branches of Government
2 chambers of Representatives
Rights of Citizens
Amendments or process to change government/constitution

Question 14

Differences in the US Constitution compared to the states

Answer 14

Power to declare war
Coin money
Taxation of all citizens
Protection of US citizens, property and borders: Navy, Marines, and Air Force

Question 15

Differences in TX Constitution compared to the US Constitution

Answer 15

Public schools, currently funded by property taxes
Chose state representatives
Highways, bridges and railroads
Taxation at the state level-sales tax, local taxes-sales taxes and property taxes
Militia of the state to protect citizens of the state