3 Branches of Federal Gov, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights

Why was the phrase, "We the People..." included at the beginning of the US Constitution?

• to show that the government gets its power from the people

• to show that people should follow the government's rules

• to explain why the people have less power than the US government

• to explain why the country is more important than individual people

Why was the Bill of Rights included in the US Constitution?

• to fix many of the problems experienced under the Articles of Confederation

• to make sure the Constitution was easy to amend if the government became too strong

• to protect the rights of people and states under a strong federal government

• to strengthen the federal government and prevent the problems of the Articles of Confederation

Is the United States a direct democracy or a representative democracy? Why or why not?

• It is a representative democracy because only adult citizens are allowed to vote in elections.

• It is a representative democracy because citizens elect others to serve in government for them.

• It is a direct democracy because every citizen has to follow the government's laws.

• It is a direct democracy because citizens vote on which laws they want to be made.

Why did the Framers of the Constitution separate the powers of government into the 3 branches (Articles I, II, III)?

• to allow the government to pass laws quickly

• to make sure the central government was strong

• to allow citizens to participate in government

• to make sure no one branch had too much power

Why did the Framers of the Constitution divide government powers between different branches and levels of government?

• to limit the political power of citizens

• to create a strong federal government

• to help the president control the government

• to provide checks and balances

Which right is being exercised by the people in the example below?

A large group of people come together to hear a speech about civil rights.

• right to a public trial

• right to assemble

• freedom of religion

• freedom of the press

The Bill of Rights is the name given to the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Why were they added?

• to explain the powers of the state governments

• to guarantee basic freedoms to all Americans

• to limit the influence of Great Britain

• to extend the right to vote to all Americans

What does the Bill of Rights do?

• It limits what the government can do.

• It limits the rights of citizens.

• It makes passing laws easier.

• It gives the president more power.

The right of people to say what they believe is protected in the Bill of Rights. Which of the following is an example of freedom of speech?

• The government decides which church people can attend.

• People can travel freely from one state to another.

• The government decides when people can gather to protest.

• People can state their views on candidates for elected office.

Why is there a separation of powers between branches and levels of government in the United States?

• to make it easier to pass new laws

• to help the president run the country

• to protect citizens from the government

• to make sure state governments are strong