American Democracy

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial

What system prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances

What was the first form of government in the U.S.?

Articles of Confederation

What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The federal government could not tax or enforce laws

What document announced the colonies' independence from Britain?

The Declaration of Independence

Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?

James Madison

What is the principle that divides power between the national and state governments?

Federalism

What did the Anti-Federalists want added to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights

What type of democracy does the U.S. have?

Representative democracy (or republic)

What is popular sovereignty?

The idea that government power comes from the people

What is an oligarchy?

A government ruled by a small group of people

Why was the Constitution created?

To replace the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger federal government

How old must you be to vote in the U.S.?

18 years old

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect individual freedoms from government power

What are interest groups?

Organizations that try to influence government policy

Which branch of government makes the laws?

Legislative Branch

What type of democracy does the U.S. have?

A representative democracy (or republic), where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.

What is the highest law in the U.S.?

The U.S. Constitution

Why did the Founding Fathers create checks and balances?

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

What philosopher is most associated with the idea of the Social Contract?

John Locke

How does the impeachment process demonstrate checks and balances?

It allows Congress to remove a president or judge for misconduct, limiting executive and judicial power.

What is an example of separation of powers in action?

Congress makes laws, the president enforces them, and the Supreme Court interprets them.

Why is the rule of law essential in a democracy?

It ensures that all people, including government officials, are subject to the law.

What are the two types of due process?

Procedural due process (fair legal procedures) and substantive due process (laws must be fair and reasonable).

What landmark Supreme Court case reinforced the idea of 'equality under the law'?

Brown v. Board of Education (1954) – ended racial segregation in schools.

How does popular sovereignty appear in the U.S. Constitution?

The Preamble states, 'We the People,' showing that power comes from the citizens.

How do natural rights differ from legal rights?

Natural rights (life, liberty, property) exist inherently, while legal rights are granted by governments.

What is an example of federalism in action?

States control education policies, while the federal government regulates interstate commerce.

How does the U.S. Constitution protect individual liberty?

The Bill of Rights guarantees freedoms like speech, religion, and due process.

Why is the U.S. government considered a republic?

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

What does constitutionalism ensure?

That government power is limited by a written constitution.

What is an example of majority rule in U.S. government?

Laws are passed if more than half of Congress votes in favor.

What is an example of how minority rights are protected?

The Supreme Court can strike down laws that discriminate against minorities.

How does the Equal Protection Clause impact U.S. laws?

It requires that laws apply equally to all citizens, preventing discrimination.

How does the Bill of Rights protect people from government overreach?

It limits government power by guaranteeing specific individual rights.

What does the 24th Amendment do in relation to elections?

It bans poll taxes, making voting more accessible.

What is the purpose of the Electoral College?

It formally selects the U.S. president based on state voting outcomes.

What voting requirement was eliminated by the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

Literacy tests, which had been used to prevent Black Americans from voting.

Why is voter turnout important in a representative democracy?

It ensures that elected officials truly reflect the will of the people.