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
