AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - A: Principles of American Government

Principles of American Government

• Republic

• Constitution-based federal republic

• Representative democracy

1. What is the form of government of the United States?

• (U.S.) Constitution

2. What is the supreme law of the land? *

• Defines the parts of government

• Forms the government

• Defines powers of government

• Protects the rights of the people

3. Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does

• Self-government

• Popular sovereignty

• Consent of the governed

• People should govern themselves

• (Example of) social contract

4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?

• Amendments

• The amendment process

5. How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

• (The basic) rights of Americans

• (The basic) rights of people living in the United States

6. What does the Bill of Rights protect?

• Twenty-seven (27)

7. How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? *

• It says America is free from British control.

• It says all people are created equal.

• It identifies inherent rights.

• It identifies individual freedoms.

8. Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

• Declaration of Independence

9. What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?

• Equality

• Liberty

• Social contract

• Natural rights

• Limited government

• Self-government

10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution