Civics test

Who does a member of the House of Representatives represent?

Citizens in their (congressional) district • Citizens in their district

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

It says America is free from British control. • It says all people are created equal. • It identifies individual freedoms.

The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?

Self-government • Popular sovereignty • Consent of the governed

Why are there three branches of government?

So one part does not become too powerful • Checks and balances separation of powers

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

The basic rights of Americans • Make sure you can name at least 1

What part of the government writes federal laws?

U.S. Congress • Legislative branch

According to the Constitution, who can vote in federal elections?

• 18 year old American citizens

How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?

• Amendments • The amendment process

The House of Representatives allows states to have different numbers of Representatives in Congress. Why is this?

• Because it is based on populatoin

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

• Democratic and Republican parties

What is the rule of law?

• Everyone must follow the law, no one is above it • Leaders must obey the law. • Government must obey the law.

The President of the United States is in charge of which branch of government?

• Executive branch

What is the Bill of Rights?

• First 10 Amendments to the US Constitution

Name the three branches of government.

• Legislative, executive, and judicial

How many U.S. senators are there?

• One Hundred (100) • Two per state

Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government (expressed powers). What is one power that only belongs to the federal government?

• Print paper money and mint coins • Declare war • Create an army • Make treaties • Set foreign policy

What are some of the important civic duties of US citizens?

• Registering for selective service, if male • Paying taxes • Serving on a jury when summoned by a court to do so • Obeying the law

What is the form of government of the United States?

• Republic • Constitution-based federal republic • Representative democracy

What part of the government interprets the laws?

• Supreme Court

Which living document guarantees the rights of people within the United States, but is capable of being altered?

• U.S. Constitution