Understanding the Formation of the U.S. Government

The video explores the formation of the U.S. government post-American Revolution. Initially, the Articles of Confederation were created but proved inadequate, leading to the drafting of the Constitution in 1787. This established a government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch, or Congress, makes laws and consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. The executive branch, led by the president, was first held by George Washington. The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, ensures laws are constitutional. The system of checks and balances prevents any one branch from gaining too much power.

What was the form of government in America before the establishment of a president?

• A dictatorship

• A monarchy

• A democracy

• A republic

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation?

• They were not strong or detailed enough

• They were too detailed

• They gave too much power to the president

• They were never ratified

Which two houses make up the U.S. Congress?

• The Parliament and the Senate

• The Assembly and the Council

• The House of Commons and the House of Lords

• The Senate and the House of Representatives

Who was the first president of the United States?

• Abraham Lincoln

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• George Washington

What is the role of the cabinet in the executive branch?

• To make laws

• To help the president make decisions

• To judge the constitutionality of laws

• To elect the president

Who assists the president in making decisions?

• The Supreme Court

• The Senate

• The Vice President and the cabinet

• The Congress

What is the highest court in the United States?

• The Constitutional Court

• The Supreme Court

• The Federal Court

• The Court of Appeals

What is the primary function of the judicial branch?

• To enforce laws

• To elect the president

• To create laws

• To review laws and settle conflicts

What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?

• To ensure one branch has total control

• To divide the government into two branches

• To make sure the government is fair and representative

• To allow the president to have more power

What does it mean for a law to be constitutional?

• It is reviewed by the cabinet

• It is passed by Congress

• It is approved by the president

• It follows the Constitution