United States Integrated Civics And History Flashcards
(134 cards)
1
Q
What is the supreme law of the land?
A
the Constitution
The Constitution establishes the framework of the U.S. government and its principles.
2
Q
What does the Constitution do?
A
- sets up the government
- defines the government
- protects basic rights of Americans
The Constitution outlines the structure and limits of government power.
3
Q
What is federalism?
A
The division of power between the national government and state governments.
Federalism is a key principle outlined in the Constitution.
4
Q
What are the three branches of government?
A
- executive
- legislative
- judicial
Each branch has distinct powers and responsibilities to ensure a separation of powers.
5
Q
What is an amendment?
A
a change (to the Constitution)
Amendments allow for modifications to the Constitution as society evolves.
6
Q
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
A
the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights guarantees individual liberties and rights.
7
Q
What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
A
- speech
- religion
- assembly
- press
- petition the government
The First Amendment protects multiple facets of freedom of expression.
8
Q
How many amendments does the Constitution have?
A
twenty-seven (27)
The Constitution has been amended 27 times since its ratification.
9
Q
What did the Declaration of Independence do?
A
- announced our independence (from Great Britain)
- declared our independence (from Great Britain)
- said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
The Declaration articulates fundamental ideals about human rights and government.
10
Q
What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
A
- life
- liberty
- pursuit of happiness
These rights are considered unalienable and foundational to American democracy.
11
Q
What is freedom of religion?
A
You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
Freedom of religion is a core principle protected by the First Amendment.
12
Q
What is the economic system in the United States?
A
- capitalist economy
- market economy
The U.S. economy emphasizes private ownership and competitive markets.
13
Q
What is the ‘rule of law’?
A
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
The rule of law ensures equal application of laws to all individuals.
14
Q
Who is in charge of the executive branch?
A
the President
The President executes federal laws and is the head of state.
15
Q
Who makes federal laws?
A
Congress
Congress is the legislative body responsible for creating laws applicable across the country.
16
Q
What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?
A
the Senate and House (of Representatives)
This bicameral structure allows for checks and balances within the legislative process.
17
Q
What specific power is assigned only to the Senate?
A
The power to reject a treaty signed by the president or a person the president chooses to serve on the Supreme Court.
18
Q
How many U.S. Senators are there?
A
One hundred (100).
19
Q
Why do all states have equal power in the Senate?
A
Each state has the same number of senators.
20
Q
What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?
A
Six (6) years.
21
Q
What is the minimum number of representatives a state can have in the House of Representatives?
A
At least one representative.
22
Q
How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?
A
Four hundred and thirty-five (435).
23
Q
How often does the government conduct a census?
A
Every ten (10) years.
24
Q
What is the term length for a U.S. Representative?
A
Two (2) years.
25
Who do U.S. Senators represent?
All people of the state.
26
Why do some states have more Representatives than others?
Because of the state's population.
27
What is the term length for the President of the United States?
Four (4) years.
28
In what month do we vote for President?
November.
29
If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
The Vice President.
30
If both the President and the Vice President cannot serve, who becomes President?
The Speaker of the House.
31
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
The President.
32
Who signs bills to become laws?
The President.
33
What is the process called when Congress overrides a President's veto?
Overriding the president's veto.
34
What does the President's Cabinet do?
Advises the President.
35
Name two Cabinet-level positions.
Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense
36
What does the judicial branch do?
Reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, decides if a law goes against the Constitution.
37
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court.
38
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Nine (9).
39
What is one power of the federal government?
To print money.
40
What is one power of the states?
Provide schooling and education.
41
What is the supreme law of the land?
The U.S. Constitution
## Footnote
State constitutions cannot conflict with the U.S. Constitution.
42
What powers do state governments hold?
Create traffic regulations, marriage requirements, issue driver's licenses
## Footnote
These powers are not given to the federal government.
43
What powers are denied to state governments?
Coin money
## Footnote
The Constitution provides a list of powers that states do not have.
44
What are the three branches of state government?
Executive, legislative, judicial
45
Who is the chief executive of a state?
The governor
46
How long is the term for most state governors?
Four years
## Footnote
Exceptions are New Hampshire and Vermont, where governors serve for two years.
47
What are the two major political parties in the United States?
Democratic Party, Republican Party
48
Who created the Democratic Party?
President Andrew Jackson
49
What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
Serve on a jury
## Footnote
Another responsibility is to vote in a federal election.
50
Name one right only for United States citizens.
Vote in a federal election
## Footnote
U.S. citizens can also run for federal office.
51
What is one of the four amendments about voting?
Citizens eighteen (18) and older can vote.
52
What does the 19th Amendment accomplish?
Gave women the right to vote.
53
What did the 24th Amendment do?
Made poll taxes illegal.
54
What is the voting age established by the 26th Amendment?
Eighteen (18) years old
55
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Freedom of expression, freedom of speech
## Footnote
Other rights include freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government, and freedom of religion.
56
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
The United States, the flag
57
Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?
Francis Bellamy
58
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
Give up loyalty to other countries
## Footnote
Other promises include obeying the laws of the United States and serving in the U.S. military if needed.
59
At what age must men register for the Selective Service?
At age eighteen (18)
## Footnote
Men must register between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26).
60
What is one reason colonists came to America?
Freedom
## Footnote
Other reasons include political liberty, religious freedom, and economic opportunity.
61
Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
American Indians, Native Americans
62
What skills did the Wampanoag teach the Pilgrims?
Farming methods, growing crops such as corn, beans, and squash
63
What was the first draft during peacetime?
Selective Training and Service Act
64
What year was the 16th Amendment ratified?
1913
65
What is the last day to send in federal income tax forms?
April 15th
66
What is taxable income?
Money earned from wages, self-employment, tips, and the sale of property
67
What tribes lived in America at the time the Pilgrims arrived?
Sioux, Cherokee, Iroquois, Wampanoag
## Footnote
The Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims important skills such as farming.
68
What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?
Africans
## Footnote
This refers to people forcibly brought from Africa to the American colonies.
69
What were some characteristics of slavery in America?
* Existed long before America was founded
* Many Africans were brought against their will
* Worked without payment and basic rights
* Most worked in agriculture but also in other jobs
## Footnote
Slavery was a significant challenge for a nation founded on individual freedoms.
70
What were the main reasons the colonists fought the British?
* High taxes (taxation without representation)
* British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
* Lack of self-government
## Footnote
These grievances fueled the desire for independence.
71
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
(Thomas) Jefferson
## Footnote
Jefferson was a key political leader during this time.
72
What important ideas are found in the Declaration of Independence?
* All people are created equal
* People are born with certain rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
## Footnote
These ideas are foundational to American democracy.
73
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776
## Footnote
This date is now celebrated as Independence Day.
74
What were the first three states to ratify the U.S. Constitution?
* Delaware
* Pennsylvania
* New Jersey
## Footnote
Ratification dates are significant to the formation of the United States.
75
What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
The Constitution was written
## Footnote
This convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May to September 1787.
76
When was the Constitution written?
1787
## Footnote
James Madison is known as the main writer of the Constitution.
77
What are the components of the U.S. Constitution?
* Preamble
* Seven articles
## Footnote
The Constitution has been amended 27 times since its adoption.
78
What are the Federalist Papers?
85 essays supporting the U.S. Constitution
## Footnote
They were written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the pen name 'Publius'.
79
Name one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for.
* U.S. diplomat
* Oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
* First Postmaster General of the United States
* Writer of 'Poor Richard's Almanac'
* Started the first free libraries
## Footnote
Franklin was a key figure in early American history.
80
Who is known as the 'Father of Our Country'?
(George) Washington
## Footnote
Washington was the first American president and a general in the Revolutionary War.
81
What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
the Louisiana Territory
## Footnote
This purchase doubled the size of the United States.
82
Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
* War of 1812
* Mexican-American War
* Civil War
* Spanish-American War
## Footnote
These wars shaped the United States' development during the 19th century.
83
What was one problem that led to the Civil War?
* Slavery
* Economic reasons
* States' rights
## Footnote
The differing economies and beliefs about slavery created tension between North and South.
84
What important action did Abraham Lincoln take during the Civil War?
Issued the Emancipation Proclamation
## Footnote
This declared that slaves in rebellious states were free.
85
Who was the president of the United States during the Civil War?
Abraham Lincoln
86
What did Abraham Lincoln think about the separation of the southern states?
He thought it was unconstitutional
87
What document did Lincoln issue in 1863 that declared slaves in the Confederate states free?
Emancipation Proclamation
88
What is the significance of the Gettysburg Address?
Lincoln praised those who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and called for rededication to saving the Union
89
When was Abraham Lincoln assassinated?
April 14, 1865
90
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
Freed slaves in the Confederate states
91
What major amendment did the Emancipation Proclamation lead to?
13th Amendment
92
What was Susan B. Anthony known for?
Fighting for women's rights and civil rights
93
What amendment gave women the right to vote?
19th Amendment
94
What war did the United States fight from 1914 to 1918?
World War I
95
What event led to the United States entering World War I?
German submarines attacked British and U.S. ships
96
Who was the president during World War I?
(Woodrow) Wilson
97
What year did World War II begin?
1939
98
What event caused the United States to enter World War II?
Attack on Pearl Harbor
99
Which countries were part of the Axis powers in World War II?
Germany, Italy, and Japan
100
What was the outcome of the Korean War?
Establishment of North Korea and South Korea
101
What was the main concern of the United States during the Cold War?
Communism
102
What movement aimed to end racial discrimination in the United States?
Civil rights movement
103
Who was the main leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s?
Martin Luther King, Jr.
104
What major event occurred on September 11, 2001?
Terrorists attacked the United States
105
Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
Cherokee, Cheyenne, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Apache, Iroquois
106
Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
Missouri River or Mississippi River
107
What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Pacific Ocean
108
What is the nickname of the Missouri River?
Big Muddy
109
What is the significance of the Pacific Ocean to the U.S. economy?
Natural resources such as fish
110
What does 'Pacific' mean?
Peaceful
111
What U.S. states border the Pacific Ocean?
Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii
112
Who reached the ocean in 1514 by crossing the Isthmus of Panama?
Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa
113
What name did Ferdinand Magellan give to the Pacific Ocean?
the peaceful sea
114
Which U.S. states border the Pacific Ocean?
* Alaska
* Washington
* Oregon
* California
* Hawaii
115
What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
Atlantic Ocean
116
After whom was the Atlantic Ocean named?
the giant Atlas from Greek mythology
117
Which U.S. states border the Atlantic Ocean?
* Connecticut
* Delaware
* Florida
* Georgia
* Maine
* Maryland
* Massachusetts
* New Hampshire
* New Jersey
* New York
* North Carolina
* Rhode Island
* South Carolina
* Virginia
118
Name one U.S. territory.
* Puerto Rico
* U.S. Virgin Islands
* American Samoa
* Northern Mariana Islands
* Guam
119
What is a U.S. territory?
a partially self-governing piece of land under the authority of the U.S. government
120
What do residents of American Samoa hold status as?
U.S. nationals
121
What is the length of the U.S. border with Mexico?
about 1,900 miles
122
Which U.S. states border Mexico?
* California
* Arizona
* New Mexico
* Texas
123
What was the purpose of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853?
to acquire land for the southern railroad
124
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington, D.C.
125
What compromise determined the location of the U.S. capital?
the Compromise of 1790
126
Where is the Statue of Liberty located?
Liberty Island
127
Who gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States?
France
128
When was the Statue of Liberty dedicated?
October 28, 1886
129
Why are there 13 stripes on the American flag?
because there were 13 original colonies
130
What does each star on the American flag represent?
a state
131
What is the name of the national anthem?
The Star-Spangled Banner
132
When do we celebrate Independence Day?
July 4th
133
Name two national U.S. holidays.
* New Year's Day
* Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
* Presidents' Day
* Memorial Day
* Juneteenth
* Independence Day
* Labor Day
* Columbus Day
* Veterans Day
* Thanksgiving
* Christmas
134
What is the significance of the Declaration of Independence?
it explains why the colonies separated from Great Britain
