U.S. Citizenship Test Key Facts

U.S. Citizenship Test Key Facts

• The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
• The Constitution establishes the government, outlines its functions, and guarantees basic rights to Americans.
• The phrase "We the People" embodies the principle of self-government stated in the Constitution.
• An amendment refers to a change or addition to the Constitution.
• The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights, which enshrine fundamental liberties.
• The First Amendment protects freedoms including speech, religion, assembly, press, and the right to petition the government.
• There are twenty-seven amendments in total to the Constitution.
• The Declaration of Independence proclaims the United States' freedom from Great Britain and identifies unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Freedom of religion allows individuals to practice any faith or none at all.
• The economic system in the U.S. is characterized as a capitalist or market economy.
• The rule of law dictates that everyone, including leaders and the government, must adhere to the law.
• Government branches include the Congress (legislative), the President (executive), and the courts (judicial).
• Checks and balances and the separation of powers prevent any government branch from becoming too powerful.
• The executive branch is led by the President of the United States.
• Federal laws are created by Congress, which consists of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• There are one hundred U.S. Senators; each serves a six-year term.
• The House of Representatives has four hundred thirty-five voting members, with each Representative serving a two-year term.
• U.S. Senators represent all citizens of their respective states.
• The number of Representatives for each state is based on the state’s population.
• The President is elected for a four-year term, with elections held in November.
• Current leadership: Barack Obama is President, and Joe Biden is Vice President.
• If the President is unable to serve, the Vice President assumes the role. If both are incapacitated, the Speaker of the House becomes President.
• The President serves as Commander in Chief of the military and has the authority to sign bills into law or veto them.
• The President's Cabinet advises on executive functions; key positions include Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Health and Human Services among others.