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Civics Final

Terms in this set (50)

What is the supreme law of the United States?
the Constitution
What does the Constitution do?
sets up the government
defines the government
protects basic rights of Americans
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
we the people
What is an amendment?
a change (to the Constitution)
an addition (to the Constitution)
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
the bill of rights
What is one right or freedom protected by the First Amendment?
speech, religion, press
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
What does freedom of religion mean?
You can practice any religion you want, or not practice at all.
What does the "rule of law" mean?
no one is above the law
Name one branch or part of the government.
▪ Congress
▪ legislative
▪ President
▪ executive
▪ the courts
▪ judicial
What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
checks and balances, separation of powers
Who is in charge of the federal executive branch?
president
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
Senate and House (of Representatives)
(U.S. or national) legislature
What are the two bodies of the U.S. Congress?
Senate and House of Representatives
How many U.S. Senators are there?
100
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
6
the House of Representatives has how many voting members?
435
We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
2 years
Who is represented by a U.S. Senator?
all people of the state
Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?
the states population
We elect a President for how many years?
4 years
In what month do we vote for President?
November
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
the vice president
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
president
Who signs bills to become laws?
president
Who vetoes bills?
president
What does the President's Cabinet do?
advises the president
What are two Cabinet-level positions?
▪ Secretary of Agriculture
▪ Secretary of Commerce
▪ Secretary of Defense
▪ Secretary of Education
▪ Secretary of Energy
▪ Secretary of Health and Human Services
▪ Secretary of Homeland Security
▪ Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
▪ Secretary of the Interior
▪ Secretary of Labor
▪ Secretary of State
▪ Secretary of Transportation
▪ Secretary of the Treasury
▪ Secretary of Veterans Affairs
▪ Attorney General
▪ Vice President
What does the judicial branch do?
reviews laws
explains laws
resolves disputes (disagreements)
decides if a law goes against the Constitution
What is the highest court in the United States?
Supreme Court
How many justices are on the United States Supreme Court?
9
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?
to declare war, to print money, to make treaties
Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
drivers license, providing school and education, provide safety
What is the capital of your state?
St. Paul
What are two major political parties in the United States?
democratic and republican
There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them
▪ Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
▪ You don't have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
▪ Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
▪ A male citizen of any race (can vote).
What is one responsibility limited to United States citizens?
▪ serve on a jury
▪ vote in a federal election
Name one right provided for only United States citizens
▪ vote in a federal election
▪ run for federal office
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
▪ freedom of expression
▪ freedom of speech
▪ freedom of assembly
▪ freedom to petition the government
▪ freedom of religion
What is one promise made by people when they become naturalized United States citizens?
▪ give up loyalty to other countries
▪ defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
▪ obey the laws of the United States
▪ serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
▪ serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
▪ be loyal to the United States
How old do citizens have to be to vote in the election for President?
18
What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
▪ vote
▪ join a political party
▪ help with a campaign
▪ join a civic group
▪ join a community group
▪ give an elected official your opinion on an issue
▪ call Senators and Representatives
▪ publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
▪ run for office
▪ write to a newspaper
When must all men register for the Selective Service?
18
What is one reason colonists came to America?
▪ freedom
▪ political liberty
▪ religious freedom
▪ economic opportunity
▪ practice their religion
▪ escape persecution
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
Native Americans
What do we call people who were taken from Africa to America and sold into bondage?
slaves
Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
▪ slavery
▪ economic reasons
▪ states' rights
What did Susan B. Anthony do?
fought for women's rights
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
civil rights movement
Who was the first President of the United States?
George Washington
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