The U.S. Constitution

Which document is described below?

• Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

• Preamble (introduction to the Constitution)

• Virginia Declaration of Rights

• United States Constitution

Which one of the following establishes and protects the fundamental rights and liberties of American citizens?

• Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

• Virginia Declaration of Rights

• The Preamble

• United States Constitution

The authors of the United States Constitution were afraid of an all powerful government. They believed that the government may only do what the people give it the power to do. This fundamental principle is a belief in . . . 

• Consent of the governed

• Democracy

• Limited government

• Rule of law

What is meant by the "common good" and the "general welfare" as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States?

• A way to settle differences

• An item people generally use daily - like milk or bread

• Something that makes life better for people or is good for the community as a whole

• Donating (giving) money to a charity like the Red Cross

Which title BEST matches the chart below?

• Principles of the government

• Purposes of the government

• Fundamental rights

• Unalienable rights

The United States Constitution is called a LIVING document because it can be changed as time passes and as the country faces new challenges. Both the United States and Virginia Constitution can be changed by adding _____.

• ordinances

• checks and balances

• amendments

• expressed powers

Where should you look to find directions on how to amend (change) the United States Constitution?

• The Bill of Rights

• Thomas Jefferson's diary

• United States Constitution

• The Preamble

The purpose of the Preamble to the United States Constitution is . . . 

• To serve as a model for the Bill of Rights

• To establish the goals and purposes of our government

• To guarantee our rights

• To serve as a table of contents for the Constitution

Which phrase established that the power of the government comes from the people?

• We the People

• all men are created equal

• In the course of human events

• all men are given certain unalienable rights

On December 7, 1941, the United States was attacked by the Empire of Japan at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On December 8, 1941, Congress declared war on Japan. Which purpose was the government fulfilling?

• To secure the blessings of liberty

• To provide for the common defense

• To promote the general welfare

• To establish justice