24 Questions
What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
To define the powers and structure of the government
What does the phrase 'We the People' mean?
Popular sovereignty
How can changes be made to the U.S. Constitution?
Through the amendment process
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
The basic rights of Americans
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
Twenty-seven
What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?
The colonies are independent from Britain
What is the economic system of the United States?
Capitalism
What is the principle of the rule of law?
No one is above the law
What was written in 1787?
The U.S. Constitution
Who was one of the writers of the Federalist Papers?
Alexander Hamilton
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
They helped people understand the U.S. Constitution
What is James Madison famous for?
Being the 'Father of the Constitution'
Who is known as the 'Father of Our Country'?
George Washington
What was Alexander Hamilton famous for?
Being one of the writers of the Federalist Papers
What is Thomas Jefferson famous for?
Writing the Declaration of Independence
What did the Federalist Papers support?
The passage of the U.S. Constitution
What is the main reason why Supreme Court justices serve for life?
To ensure their independence from politics
What is one power that is only for the federal government?
Declare war
What is the main purpose of the 10th Amendment?
To state that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
Citizens of the United States
What is one of the rights of everyone living in the United States?
The right to freedom of speech
What is one of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution that deals with voting rights?
The 15th Amendment
What is one of the powers that is only for the states?
Provide schooling and education
Who is the head of the state government?
The Governor of the state
Study Notes
The U.S. Constitution
- Forms the government
- Defines powers of government
- Defines the parts of government
- Protects the rights of the people
"We the People"
- Means self-government
- Means popular sovereignty
- Means consent of the governed
- Means people should govern themselves
Changing the U.S. Constitution
- Changes are made through amendments
- There is an amendment process
The Bill of Rights
- Protects the basic rights of Americans
- Protects the basic rights of people living in the United States
U.S. Constitution Facts
- Has 27 amendments
Declaration of Independence
- Says America is free from British control
- Says all people are created equal
- Identifies inherent rights
- Identifies individual freedoms
Important Ideas
- Equality
- Liberty
- Social contract
- Natural rights
- Limited government
- Self-government
Founding Documents
- Declaration of Independence mentions "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness"
- Other influential documents include Articles of Confederation, Federalist Papers, Anti-Federalist Papers, Virginia Declaration of Rights, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, Mayflower Compact, and Iroquois Great Law of Peace
Branches of Government
- There are three branches of government
- This is to ensure independence and limit outside influence
Powers of Government
- Federal government has powers such as printing paper money, minting coins, declaring war, creating an army, making treaties, and setting foreign policy
- States have powers such as providing schooling, protection, safety, issuing driver's licenses, and approving zoning and land use
10th Amendment
- States that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people
Rights and Responsibilities
- Citizens 18 and older can vote
- Citizens can vote regardless of poll taxes
- Citizens can vote regardless of gender or race
- Citizens can vote, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States
Test your understanding of the US Constitution, its powers, and how it affects the government and citizens. Learn about the principles of self-governance and how changes are made to the Constitution.
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