Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of government is specifically defined as a federal constitutional republic?
What type of government is specifically defined as a federal constitutional republic?
What is the role of lawmakers in a democracy?
What is the role of lawmakers in a democracy?
How are leaders chosen in a republic?
How are leaders chosen in a republic?
What is the main difference between a democracy and a dictatorship?
What is the main difference between a democracy and a dictatorship?
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What is a key feature of the United States' Constitution?
What is a key feature of the United States' Constitution?
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Which statement best describes elections in the United States?
Which statement best describes elections in the United States?
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What does being a 'federal' government signify?
What does being a 'federal' government signify?
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In which way do citizens influence their government in a democracy?
In which way do citizens influence their government in a democracy?
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What is the primary purpose of a constitution in a government?
What is the primary purpose of a constitution in a government?
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Which part of the U.S. Constitution explains the government's goals?
Which part of the U.S. Constitution explains the government's goals?
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What rights does the Bill of Rights specifically protect?
What rights does the Bill of Rights specifically protect?
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How does voting contribute to a democracy?
How does voting contribute to a democracy?
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Which statement best describes a strong democracy?
Which statement best describes a strong democracy?
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What process allows for amendments to a constitution?
What process allows for amendments to a constitution?
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In a democratic government, who typically makes laws?
In a democratic government, who typically makes laws?
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What is one key difference between a democracy and other forms of government?
What is one key difference between a democracy and other forms of government?
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What is Election Day?
What is Election Day?
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Who was allowed to vote when the United States was newly formed?
Who was allowed to vote when the United States was newly formed?
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The 15th Amendment allowed women to vote.
The 15th Amendment allowed women to vote.
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When was the 19th Amendment ratified?
When was the 19th Amendment ratified?
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Which two political parties are the main parties in the United States?
Which two political parties are the main parties in the United States?
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What do politicians do during election season?
What do politicians do during election season?
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What is needed to vote in the United States?
What is needed to vote in the United States?
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What are the ways citizens can vote aside from in-person voting?
What are the ways citizens can vote aside from in-person voting?
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Presidential elections take place every two years.
Presidential elections take place every two years.
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Voting on Election Day shows belief in democracy.
Voting on Election Day shows belief in democracy.
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Study Notes
What is a Democracy?
- A democracy is a government where citizens have the power to make decisions.
- The United States is a federal constitutional republic, meaning it's a democracy with power shared between the national and state governments.
- The US Constitution outlines how the government works and protects citizens’ rights.
- Citizens elect representatives, like the president, governors, and members of Congress, to make decisions for them.
How Does the U.S. Government Work?
- The United States is a federal system where power is split between the national government and individual state governments.
- Citizens vote for leaders in elections, such as governors, mayors, and local officials.
- The person with the most votes wins the election and becomes the leader.
- Laws are made by groups of people called lawmakers or legislators, who are chosen by citizens through voting.
- Laws are designed to keep everyone safe and fair.
- Citizens have a say in how the country is run, through both voting and by expressing their concerns to lawmakers about existing laws.
The U.S. Constitution
- The U.S. Constitution is a set of laws and rules that organize and guide the country.
- The Constitution can be amended, or changed, through a specific process, allowing citizens a say in how the government is run.
- The Preamble, the opening section of the Constitution, explains the government's goals and ensures that American citizens, both past and present, benefit from its principles.
- The Bill of Rights is a list of ten amendments that protect individual freedoms, including the freedom of speech.
- By adhering to the Constitution, the United States strives to be a strong democracy where everyone has a voice and is treated fairly.
What is Election Day?
- Election Day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
- Voting is a right and privilege in the United States.
- The 15th Amendment (1869) granted voting rights to men of any race, and the 19th Amendment (1920) gave women the right to vote.
- Every U.S. citizen over 18 has the right to vote.
Political Parties
- The two main political parties are the Republican and Democratic parties.
- There are other parties, but the Republicans and Democrats have been the main parties since the 1860s.
- These parties debate issues important to American citizens.
- Having different parties allows for diverse viewpoints and debates.
Election Season
- Politicians work with teams to win elections.
- They focus on issues important to citizens, using polls and statistics.
- They visit communities and give speeches to persuade voters.
Voting Process
- Americans vote for representatives in the U.S. Government.
- Elections can be for President, local government officials, Congress (House and Senate).
- Presidential elections take place every four years.
- Most people vote in person at polling stations assigned by their address.
- Voting stations are often located in schools or libraries.
- Voters need U.S. identification to confirm citizenship and prevent duplicate voting.
- Absentee ballots allow people to vote by mail for various reasons like being overseas, deployed in military, or vacationing.
- Early voting allows people to vote before Election Day at designated locations, like City Hall.
Importance of Voting
- Voting allows citizens to express their opinions and participate in democracy.
- Voting shows belief in democracy and exercising the right to choose representatives.
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Description
Explore the essential principles of democracy and how the U.S. government functions. This quiz covers the role of citizens, elections, and the constitutional framework that guides the governance in the United States.
