Foundations of US Government

Which document contains the following passage, “…whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute a new government…”

• Iroquois Constitution

• Articles of Confederation

• Constitution

• Declaration of Independence

What type of government do we have in America?

• Direct (pure) Democracy
• Republic
• Monarchy
• Oligarchy

The Preamble of the Constitution

• is our written form of law
• was ratified by 9 out of 13 colonies
• explains why the Constitution  was written
• can be traced to the Magna Carta

Why does the Preamble begin with, "We the people?"

• to make it clear that more than one person wrote the Constitution

• to differentiate it from other famous documents

• to establish that the power of the government comes from the people

• to ensure that people stop and read the document

How did the Declaration of Independence address the King of England?

• it stated grievances against the King
• it stated how well the King treaded the colonists
• it stated the colonies wanted to take over England
• it stated the colonies wanted taxes from England

A system of government where power of government is restricted by law or a written Constitution:

• republicanism

• social contract

• participatory government

• limited government

The principle that ultimate power resides in the consent of the governed (the people):

• social contract

• participatory government

• popular sovereignty

• republicanism

Governments maintain order by

• enforcing laws that protect people’s safety and security.

• giving elected officials more freedoms than are given to ordinary citizens.

• allowing every citizen to vote through free and fair elections.

• discouraging conflict between different groups.

In a republic, power is located

• with the wealthy landowners.

• with the military.

• with the people.

• with the president or monarch.

The countries most likely to succeed as democracies have citizens who

• do not exercise control over their personal and public lives.

• inform themselves about issues and participate in elections.

• avoid serving on juries and paying taxes.

• have differences of opinion on all basic issues.