What is the supreme law of the land?
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 from the First Amendment?*
▪ speech ▪ religion ▪ assembly ▪ press ▪ petition the government
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
twenty-seven (27)
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
announced our independence (from Great Britain)
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
▪ life ▪ liberty ▪ pursuit of happiness
What is freedom of religion?
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
What is the economic system in the United States?*
▪ capitalist economy ▪ market economy
What is the “rule of law”?
Everyone must follow 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 executive branch?
▪ the President
Who makes federal laws?
Congress
