US Government Flashcards
From US Citizenship Flashcards by APEX Publishing.
What is the supreme law of the land?
The US Constitution. The government cannot pass a law that goes against the Constitution. The SCOTUS can say that a state or federal law is unlawful if it is unconstitutional and goes against the Constitution.
What does the Constitution do?
- Sets up government.
- Defines government.
- Protects the basic rights of American citizens.
The national government is divided into 3 branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitution also divides federal and state power. The Constitution also protects the freedoms of American citizens in the Bill of Rights.
The idea of self-government are in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these 3 words?
We the People. The first sentence of the US Constitution is called the Preamble. It explains why the Constitution was written.
What is an amendment?
- A change to the Constitution.
- An addition to the Constitution.
Amendments are the ONLY way change the constitution. An amendment must be approved by 3/4 of the legislatures or state ratifying conventions.
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights was approved in 1791. It pledges personal rights and freedoms. Limits government’s power. Explains that powers not delegated to Congress should be reserved for the states or the people.
What are the Rights of the first amendment?
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of press.
- Freedom to petition the government.
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27.
The first 10 amendments were adopted at the same time.
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
- Announced independence from Great Britain
- Declared independence from Great Britain
- Stated the the United States is free.
The Declaration of Independence is a written statement. It declared that the colonies were 13 independent states.
What are 3 rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- Life
- Liberty
- Pursuit of happiness
These are 3 unalienable rights.
What is freedom of religion?
A person can practice any or no religion. Congress cannot make a law regarding an establishment of religion. Congress cannot also make a law banning a religion from being practiced.
What is the economic system of the US?
- Capitalist economy
- Market economy
The US maintains a market economy having producers and consumers who decide on goods and services. The people also decide their own prices for goods. The government has a very limited role in the US market economy.
What is the “rule of law?”
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
“Rule of law” is how a country’s laws influence society and its people.
What are the 3 branches of the US government?
- Executive - President
- Legislative - Congress
- Judicial - The courts (SCOTUS and lower courts)
What prohibits one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- Checks and balances.
- Separation of powers.
By separating the US government into branches, this helps to prohibit one branch from becoming too powerful. The power and ability of these branches to “check” one another is called “checks and balances.”
Who is in charge of the executive branch of government?
The president.
The president is the head of the executive branch. The executive branch is set up to enforce and execute law. The president is also Caommander in CHief of the military.
Who makes federal laws?
The legislative branch called Congress consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.
What are the two parts of the legislative branch?
- The Senate.
- House of Representatives.
This part of the government is bicameral. It creates and writes laws.
What is the definition of “bicameral?”
Having two branches or chambers.
How many US Senators are there?
100.
There are two senators representing each state.
The people elect a US Senator for how many years?
- 1/3 of the Senate’s membership is elected every 2 years.
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
435.
The House of representatives is a part of Congress and considered the lower chamber.
The people elect a US Representative for how many years?
- Relection is considered on even-numbered years.
Who does a US Senator represent?
All the people of the their respected state. Example: A Texas Senator represents all the people of the state of Texas.
Why do some states have more representatives than others?
The number of US representatives a state has depends on that state’s population.
