Supreme Law of the Land
The Constitution
What does the Constitution do?
- Sets up the government
- Defines the government
- Protects basic rights
... [Show More] of Americans
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What are the first three words of the Constitution that reflect the idea of self-government?
We the People
What is an amendment?
A change or an addition to the Constitution.
What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights
Rights or freedoms from the First Amendment:
1) Speech
2) Religion
3) Assembly
4) Press
5) Petition the government
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
27
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
Announced/Declared our independence from Great Britain
Rights in the Declaration of Independence:
1) Life
2) Liberty
3) Pursuit of Happiness
What is the freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
What is the economic system in the United States?
Capitalist/Market Economy
What is the "rule of law"?
- Everyone must follow he law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Governors must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
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What are the branches of government?
1. Legislative/Congress
2. Executive/President
3. Judicial/Courts
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
- Checks and balances
- Separation of powers
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
The President
Who makes federal laws?
Congress / Legislature / Senate and House
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
1. Senate
2. House of Representatives
How many U.S. Senators are there?
100
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
6
The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
2
Who does a U.S. Senator represent?
All people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
Because of the state's population/they have more people/some states have more people
We elect a President for how many years?
4
In what month do we vote for President?
November
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Vice President
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Speaker of the House
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
The President
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President
Who vetoes bills?
The President
What does the President's Cabinet do?
Advises the President
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
- Attorney General
- Vice President
What does the judicial branch do?
- Reviews/Explains laws
- Resolves disputes/disagreements
- Decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
- To print money
- To declare war
- To create an army
- To make treaties
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver's license
- Approve zoning and land use
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic and Republican [Show Less]