Amendments and Constitution Study Guide

1st Amendment

freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms (guns)

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers, need home owners consent.

4th Amendment

searches and seizures (search warrant)

5th Amendment

The Right to Remain Silent/Double Jeopardy, right to due process

6th Amendment

Right to a fair, speedy trial

7th Amendment

Right to jury in civil trials.

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment

9th Amendment

Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution

10th Amendment

Powers not given to federal government go to people and States

Purpose of the Constitution

To establish the government, define its powers, and protect the rights of the people.

The idea of self-government is expressed by what 3 words?

"We the People."

What is the supreme law of the land?

The U.S. Constitution!

What is an Amendment?

A change or addition to the constitution.

What did the declaration of Independence do?

It declared the 13 colonies free from Great Britain.

Name any freedom protected by the First Amendment

examples : Freedom of speech, Freedom of religion, right to petition the government, etc.

What are the first 10 amendments called?

The Bill of Rights.

How many amendments are in the Constitution?

27!

What type of economic system does the United States have?

A capitalist/free market economy.

Name a right identified in the Declaration of Independence.

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. :D

What does freedom of religion mean?

Anyone is able to practice any religion or no religion.

How many voting members are in the House of Representatives.

435

Who are the two people who represent each state in the U.S. Senate?

The state's two U.S. Senators.

Who makes federal laws

Congress (House of Representatives + Senate)

What does "rule of law" mean?

Everyone must follow the law!! Including government leaders.

How long is a U.S. Senator's term?

6 years! (to remember think S looks like 6)

How many U.S. Senators are there?

100! (think 2 for each state, and there are 50 states so 50x2 = 100)

What prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances.

Name on branch of the U.S. government!

Legislative, Executive, or Judicial.

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

The Senate and House of Representatives.

Whats the purpose of the Judicial branch?

Interpret laws and decides whether laws follow the Constitution.

Who does a U.S. Senator Represent?

ALL of the people in their State.

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

The President.

How long is a U.S. Representatives term?

2 years.

If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The Vice President.

What is the highest court in the United States?

The U.S. Supreme Court.

Who represents the people of a congressional district in the House of Representatives?

A U.S. Representative

Why do some states have more Representatives than others?

Because representation is based on state population.

What is the Primary role of the President's Cabinet?

To advise the President and lead executive departments.

What is a Cabinet of level position?

Secretary of State.

How long is a Presidents term?

4 years

How many justices currently serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

9 Justices

Who can veto bills passed by Congress?

The President.

Who signs bills to make them laws?

The President

If the President and Vice President cant serve, who becomes President?

The Speaker of the House under the presidential line of succession.

What month do Americans vote for President?

November.

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President.

Current President?

Donald Trump

Current Vice President?

JD Vance

Current Chief Justice of the United States?

John Roberts

What is a power of the federal government?

To declare war and maintain the military.

Which is a power of state governments?

Establishing schools and issuing drivers licenses.

Current Governor of Nevada?

Joe Lombardo

Capital of Nevada?

Carson City.

What are the two major political parties in the U.S.?

Democratic Party and Republican Party

Current speaker of the House of Representatives?

Mike Johnson

What Amendment expanded voting rights by lowering the voting age to 18?

26th Amendment

What is a responsibility that is limited to U.S. Citizens

Serving on a jury when called.

Which is a right reserved specifically for U.S. citizens?

Voting in federal elections.

What is the right of everyone living in the U.S.?

Freedom of speech

What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

The United States and its flag.

Whats a promise made when becoming a U.S. citizen?

To obey the U.S. laws and support and defend the Constitution.

How old must citizens be to vote for President?

18 years old

Example of participating in American democracy

Voting in an election

When is the last day to send in federal income tax forms under the standard filling deadline?

April 15

When must most male citizens and immigrants register for Selective Service?

Within 30 days of turning 18 years old

What was a reason for colonists coming to America?

Religious freedom, economic opportunity, and a better life.

Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

Native Americans/Indigenous peoples

What group was forcibly brought to America and sold as slaves?

Africans

Why did the American colonists fight the British?

They opposed British taxation and control and wanted independence.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

July 4, 1776

Name one of the original 13 states

Examples : Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, etc.

What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

Delegate wrote the U.S. Constitution and created a new system of government

When was the U.S. Constitution written?

1787

Name one of the writers of the Federalist Papers

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay