Understanding the United States Constitution and Government Structure

Preamble

An introductory statement that lays out the general purposes of the United States Constitution.

Three Branches of Government

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches established by the Constitution to ensure a separation of powers.

Legislative Branch

Responsible for making laws; divided into two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Executive Branch

Responsible for enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day affairs of the federal government.

Judicial Branch

Responsible for interpreting laws and adjudicating disputes; includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee fundamental rights and liberties.

First Amendment

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

Second Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms.

Fourth Amendment

Provides protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fourteenth Amendment

Grants citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.

Nineteenth Amendment

Gives women the right to vote.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson.

American Revolution

The war (1775-1783) through which the American colonies gained independence from Great Britain.

Civil War

A conflict (1861-1865) between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) that led to the abolition of slavery.

George Washington

First President of the United States and key figure during the American Revolutionary War.

Thomas Jefferson

Third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Abraham Lincoln

Sixteenth President of the United States who led the country during the Civil War and worked to end slavery.

Voting Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen, meet state residency requirements, and be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

Responsibilities of a Citizen

Includes voting in elections, serving on juries, and participating in the democratic process.

Utah State Government

Composed of three branches: Executive (Governor), Legislative (Utah State Senate and House), and Judicial (Utah Supreme Court and lower courts).

Federalism

A system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to check the others.

Political Parties

The two major parties in the United States: Democrats and Republicans, each with distinct ideologies and policies.