US Government-Midterm notes

What is a democracy?

the people have the power to rule, either directly or through elected leaders.

What is a direct democracy?

When people help make decisions directly

What is a representative democracy?

when people elect leaders to make decisions for them.

what is popular sovereignty?

It is when the government gets its power from the people’s consent.

Example: The right to vote.

What is the rule of Law

When everyone, including the government, must follow the law.

Example: The Constitution limits government power.

What does the Legislative Branch do?(Congress)

Makes Laws

What does the executive branch do?(President)

 Enforces laws

What does the judicial branch do?(courts)

Interprets laws.

Example of Individual rights and liberties?

Protecting freedoms like speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

What was the Declaration of Independence (1776)

when we were declaring independence from Britain and emphasized natural rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).

What does the The U.S. Constitution do? (1787)

Outlines the structure of the U.S. government and citizens' rights.

Includes the Preamble, Articles, and Amendments (like the Bill of Rights).

What is The Bill of Rights? (1791)

The first 10 amendments that protect individual freedoms (speech, religion, etc.).

Core Values of American Democracy:

Equality

Liberty

Justice

How can you become a US citizen

By birth, through naturalization, illegal immigrants and refugees

What are the qualities of a good citizen?

are responsible family members, follows laws, loyal to country, participate and care for environment, stay informed on important issues

What is Government?

an organization that holds political power in a society. It creates laws, maintains order, provides services, and protects citizens' rights.

What is Democracy?

Power is with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

example:US, Japan, India

What is Republic?

where the head of state is elected by the people or their representatives (not by inheritance).

Examples: U.S., France, Brazil.

What is a Monarchy?

where a monarch (king/queen) holds supreme power, often passed down through family lines.

Examples: Saudi Arabia (absolute), United Kingdom (constitutional).

What is Authoritarianism?

where a single leader or small group holds power, often suppressing political opposition.

Examples: North Korea, Syria.

What is Totalitarianism?

An extreme form of authoritarianism where the government controls almost every aspect of life, including personal beliefs.

Examples: Nazi Germany, North Korea.

What is Communism?

A system where the government controls all property, and wealth is shared equally.

Examples: Soviet Union, Cuba, China (in the 20th century).

What is Theocracy?

is run by religious leaders, and laws are based on religious principles.

Examples: Iran, Vatican City.

What is Anarchy?

A situation without any government or laws, where people act freely without a central authority.

Often seen in areas of political collapse.

What is the context to the (Declaration of Independence)?

Written as tensions rose between the American colonies and Britain. The colonies were upset over British policies like taxes, military presence, and restrictions on trade.

What is The Continental Congress? (Declaration of Independence)

The Continental Congress met in 1775 to address British actions. Initially hoping for peace, they eventually decided to declare independence.

What was the date of Adoption ?(Declaration of Independence)

on July 4, 1776, after debates and revisions

What is the preamble?

explains why the colonies must separate from Britain.

What is the Statement of Human Rights?

All people have basic rights that can’t be taken away (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). Governments are formed to protect these rights.

What is the List of Grievances?

• complaints against King George III, including:

  • Imposing taxes without consent (e.g., Stamp Act, Tea Act).

  • Restricting colonial trade.

  • Disbanding local governments.

What was the Ratification of the (Articles of Confederation)?

were finalized in 1777 and ratified in 1781.

What was the Creation and Purpose? ( The Articles of Confederation)

After declaring independence, the colonies needed a government. _______ drafted to provide a framework for a government, but they gave most power to the states, creating a weak central government.

What was the concept for(Separations of powers)?

 The U.S. government is divided into three branches: Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), and Judicial (Courts). This prevents any branch from becoming too powerful.

What are Checks and Balances ?(Separations of powers)

Each branch has powers to limit the actions of the others.

Purpose of Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. The Constitution, was added to protect individual freedoms and limit government power.

What is the First Amendment?

 Protection of freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

What is the Second Amendment?

the right to bear arms.

What is the Third Amendment?

Protects against the forced quartering of soldiers.

What is the Fourth Amendment?

 Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

What is the Fifth Amendment?

Protects rights related to life, liberty, and property, including due process and protection from self-incrimination.

What is the Sixth Amendment?

Guarantees rights for those accused of crimes, such as the right to a speedy trial and legal counsel.

What is the Seventh Amendment?

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

What is the Eighth Amendment?

Protects against cruel and unusual punishment.

What is the Ninth Amendment?

 States that the list of rights in the Constitution does not exclude other rights.

What is the Tenth Amendment?

Reserves powers not granted to the federal government to the states or the people.

 What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

was to formally declare the colonies' independence from Great Britain and explain why they had the right to break away, based on natural rights and grievances against King George III.

What are natural rights, and why are they important in the Declaration of Independence?

are fundamental rights that all people are born with, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They are important in the Declaration because they justify the colonies' decision to seek independence from Britain when those rights were not protected.

What were the Articles of Confederation, and why did it create a weak central government?

were the first constitution of the United States, created to organize the new government. It created a weak central government because the colonies were wary of a strong national government after their experience with British rule, so they gave more power to individual states.

What is the separation of powers, and why is it important in the U.S. government

divides government responsibilities into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system ensures that no one branch becomes too powerful and provides checks and balances to maintain judicial fairness judicial.  is the Bill of Rights, and why was it added to the U.S. Constitution?