Understanding the U.S. Constitution

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Questions and Answers

What does the Constitution primarily do?

Serves as a historical document

Establishes diplomatic relations

Regulates trade and commerce

Sets up the government (correct)

What are the first three words of the Constitution that emphasize self-government?

To form a

Of the people

In order to

We the People (correct)

What term is used to describe a change or addition to the Constitution?

Amendment (correct)

Bill of Rights

Nullification

Provision

What is the main purpose of the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

To provide the Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

What does freedom of religion entail?

You can practice any religion, or not practice at all Signup and view all the answers

Which principle prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances Signup and view all the answers

How many voting members are there in the House of Representatives?

435 Signup and view all the answers

What is the economic system implemented in the United States?

Market economy Signup and view all the answers

What is one power of the federal government under the Constitution?

To create an army Signup and view all the answers

Who becomes President if both the President and Vice President can no longer serve?

The Speaker of the House Signup and view all the answers

Which month do U.S. citizens vote for President?

November Signup and view all the answers

What right is only for United States citizens?

Vote in a federal election Signup and view all the answers

Who advises the President?

The President's Cabinet Signup and view all the answers

What does the judicial branch do?

Reviews laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

What are two major political parties in the United States?

Democratic and Republican Signup and view all the answers

How old must citizens be to vote for President?

Eighteen (18) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility only for United States citizens?

Serve on a jury Signup and view all the answers

Who lived in America before European arrivals?

American Indians Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

Current Vice President's name varies. Visit uscis.gov for updates Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason colonists came to America?

For economic opportunity Signup and view all the answers

What does the Pledge of Allegiance show loyalty to?

The United States Signup and view all the answers

What was one main reason colonists rebelled against British rule?

High taxes without representation Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

When was the Constitution of the United States written?

1787 Signup and view all the answers

Which document aimed to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

The Federalist Papers Signup and view all the answers

Who was known as the 'Father of Our Country'?

George Washington Signup and view all the answers

Which territory did the United States acquire from France in 1803?

Louisiana Territory Signup and view all the answers

What war was fought between the North and South in the United States?

Civil War Signup and view all the answers

What did the Emancipation Proclamation achieve?

Freed slaves in the Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

Which movement aimed to end racial discrimination in the United States?

Civil rights movement Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001?

Terrorist attacks on U.S. soil Signup and view all the answers

Which ocean is located on the west coast of the United States?

Pacific Ocean Signup and view all the answers

Why do the stars on the U.S. flag represent the number of states?

There is one star for each state Signup and view all the answers

What is the capital of the United States?

Washington, D.C. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 13 stripes on the U.S. flag?

They represent the original colonies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

U.S. Civics Study Notes

The Supreme Law of the Land: The Constitution.
Constitution's Function: Establishes the government, defines it, and protects American rights.
Self-Government Phrase: "We the People."
Amendment Definition: A change or addition to the Constitution.
Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments.
First Amendment Rights: Speech, religion, assembly, press, and petitioning the government.
Number of Amendments: Twenty-seven (27).
Declaration of Independence Purpose: Declared independence from Great Britain.
Declaration of Independence Rights: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Freedom of Religion: The right to practice any religion or no religion.
U.S. Economic System: Capitalist or market economy.
Rule of Law: Everyone must follow the law, including leaders and the government itself.
Branches of Government: Congress (legislative), President (executive), and the courts (judicial).
Checks and Balances: Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Executive Branch Leader: The President.
Lawmaking Branch: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).
Senate Members: One hundred (100).
Senator Term Length: Six (6) years.
House of Representatives Members: Four hundred thirty-five (435).
Representative Term Length: Two (2) years.
Senator Representation: All citizens of their state.
Representative Representation Basis: State population.
Presidential Term Length: Four (4) years.
Presidential Election Month: November.
Succession: If the President is unable to serve, the Vice President takes over.
Further Succession: If both are unable, the Speaker of the House becomes President.
Commander in Chief: The President.
Bill Signing Authority: The President.
Veto Power: The President.
Presidential Cabinet Role: Advises the President.
Cabinet Positions (Examples): Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Defense, etc.
Judicial Branch Function: Reviews, explains, resolves disputes, and interprets laws regarding constitutional validity.
Highest Court: The Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Justices Number: Varies; check an updated source.
Chief Justice: Varies; check an updated source.
Federal Government Powers (Examples): Printing money, declaring war, creating an army, making treaties.
State Government Powers (Examples): Education, police, fire departments, issuing driver's licenses, zoning.
Two Major Political Parties: Democratic and Republican.
Voting Age: Eighteen (18) and older.
Citizenship Responsibilities (Examples): Serving on a jury, voting in federal elections.
Citizenship Rights (Examples): Voting in federal elections, running for federal office.
Rights for all Residents (Examples): Freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly.
Loyalty Oath: Loyalty to the United States.
Oath of Citizenship (Part): Obey the laws and defend the Constitution.
Tax Filing Deadline: April 15.
Selective Service Age: Eighteen (18) to twenty-six (26).

American History

Colonial Motivations (Examples): Freedom, political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity.
Pre-European Inhabitants: American Indians/Native Americans.
Slavery Victims: Africans.
Colonial War Cause (Summarized): High taxes, quartering of troops, lack of self-government.
Declaration of Independence Author: Thomas Jefferson.
Declaration of Independence Adoption Date: July 4, 1776.
Original States (Examples): New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island.
Constitutional Convention Outcome: The writing of the Constitution.
Constitution Creation Year: 1787.
Federalist Paper Writers (Examples): James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Publius.
Benjamin Franklin's Fame (Example): Diplomat, oldest member of the Constitutional Convention.
"Father of Our Country": George Washington.
First President: George Washington.
Louisiana Purchase Acquisition: Louisiana Territory from France.
U.S. Wars (Examples): War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War.
Civil War Designation: War between the North and South/War between the states.
Civil War Causes (Example): Slavery, economic differences, states' rights.
Abraham Lincoln's Actions: Freed slaves (Emancipation Proclamation), preserved the Union, and led the U.S. during the Civil War.
Emancipation Proclamation Impact: Freed slaves in Confederate states.
Susan B. Anthony's Work: Fought for women's rights.
Important 20th-Century Wars (Example): World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War.
World War I President: Woodrow Wilson.
Great Depression/World War II President: Franklin D. Roosevelt.
World War II Opponents: Japan, Germany, Italy.
Eisenhower's Military Role: World War II General.
Cold War U.S. Concern: Communism.
Civil Rights Movement Goal: To end racial discrimination.
Martin Luther King's Actions: Fought for civil rights, working for equality for all.
September 11, 2001: Terrorist attack on the United States.
Native American Tribes (Examples): Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, etc.

Integrated Civics

Major U.S. Rivers (Examples): Missouri River, Mississippi River.
West Coast Ocean: Pacific Ocean.
East Coast Ocean: Atlantic Ocean.
U.S. Territories (Examples): Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Canada Bordering States (Examples): Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont.
Mexico Bordering States (Examples): California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.
U.S. Capital: Washington, D.C.
Statue of Liberty Location: New York Harbor/Liberty Island.
Flag Stripe Explanation: Representing the original 13 colonies.
Flag Star Explanation: Represents each state.
National Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner.
Independence Day Celebration: July 4.
U.S. National Holidays (Examples): New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution with this quiz that covers its main functions, amendments, and fundamental principles. Delve into key concepts such as self-government, freedom of religion, and the structure of government. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of American governance.