American Government A: Principles of American Democracy

The Constitution

• The supreme law of the land is the Constitution
• The Constitution sets up the government, defines its structure, and protects the basic rights of Americans
• The idea of self-government is embedded in the first three words of the Constitution, "We the People"

Amendments

• An amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution
• The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights
• The Constitution has a total of 27 amendments

The Declaration of Independence

• The Declaration of Independence declared the United States' independence from Great Britain
• The document guarantees two fundamental rights: life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Rights and Freedoms

• Freedom of religion allows individuals to practice any religion or not practice a religion at all
• The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition the government

Economic System

• The United States has a capitalist economy, also known as a market economy

Government Structure

• The three branches of the government are: Congress (legislative), the President (Executive), and the courts (judicial)
• Checks and balances, also known as separation of powers, prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful

Test your knowledge of the principles of American democracy, the Constitution, and the basics of self-government. Learn about the supreme law of the land, the role of the Constitution, and the process of amending it.