1.) American Government// A: Principles of American Governent

What is the form of government of the United States?

•Republic

•Constitution-based federal republic

•Representative democracy

What is the supreme law of the land?

(U.S.) Constitution

Name one thing the U.S. Constitution does.

•Forms the government

•Defines powers of government

•Defines parts of government

•Protects the rights of the people

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

•Self-government

•Popular sovereignty

•Consent of the governed

•People should govern themselves

•(Example of) social contract

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

•Amendments

•The Amendment process

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

•(The basic) rights of Americans

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

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

•27

Why is the Declaration of Independence important?

•It says America is free from British control.

•It says all people are created equal.

•It identifies inherent rights.

•It identifies individual freedoms.

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

Declaration of Independence

Name two important ideas from the declaration of independence and the US Constitution.

•Equality

•Liberty

•Social contract

•Natural rights

•Limited government

•Self-government

The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?

Declaration of Independence

What is the economic system of the United States?

•Capitalism

•Free market economy

What is the rule of law?

•Everyone must follow the law.

•Leaders must obey the law.

•Government must obey the law.

•No one is above the law.

Many documents influenced the US Constitution. Name one.

•Declaration of Independence

•Articles of Confederation

•Federalist Papers

•Anti-Federalist Papers

•Virginia Declaration of Rights

•Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

•Mayflower Compact

•Iroquois Great Law of Peace

There are three branches of government. Why?

•So one part does not become too powerful

•Checks and balances

•Separation of powers