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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
What is the main purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
- To declare independence from Britain
- To establish an economic system
- To identify individual freedoms
- To define the powers and structure of the government (correct)
What does the phrase 'We the People' mean?
What does the phrase 'We the People' mean?
- The people are ruled by a monarch
- Popular sovereignty (correct)
- The king has all the power
- The government has all the power
How can changes be made to the U.S. Constitution?
How can changes be made to the U.S. Constitution?
- Through the amendment process (correct)
- Through a national referendum
- Through an act of Congress
- Through a presidential decree
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?
What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?
What is the economic system of the United States?
What is the economic system of the United States?
What is the principle of the rule of law?
What is the principle of the rule of law?
What was written in 1787?
What was written in 1787?
Who was one of the writers of the Federalist Papers?
Who was one of the writers of the Federalist Papers?
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
Why were the Federalist Papers important?
What is James Madison famous for?
What is James Madison famous for?
Who is known as the 'Father of Our Country'?
Who is known as the 'Father of Our Country'?
What was Alexander Hamilton famous for?
What was Alexander Hamilton famous for?
What is Thomas Jefferson famous for?
What is Thomas Jefferson famous for?
What did the Federalist Papers support?
What did the Federalist Papers support?
What is the main reason why Supreme Court justices serve for life?
What is the main reason why Supreme Court justices serve for life?
What is one power that is only for the federal government?
What is one power that is only for the federal government?
What is the main purpose of the 10th Amendment?
What is the main purpose of the 10th Amendment?
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
Who can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on a jury in the United States?
What is one of the rights of everyone living in the United States?
What is one of the rights of everyone living in the United States?
What is one of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution that deals with voting rights?
What is one of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution that deals with voting rights?
What is one of the powers that is only for the states?
What is one of the powers that is only for the states?
Who is the head of the state government?
Who is the head of the state government?
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
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Description
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.
