Building the Foundations of American Government

The video explores the formation of the U.S. government post-American Revolution. Initially governed by a king, the U.S. transitioned to a new system with the Articles of Confederation, which proved inadequate. The Constitution was then established, creating three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch, or Congress, makes laws. The executive branch, led by the president, enforces laws. The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, interprets laws. The system of checks and balances ensures no single branch holds too much power, maintaining fairness and representation.

What was the form of government in America before the establishment of the presidency?

• A dictatorship

• A democracy

• A republic

• A monarchy

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation?

• They were too detailed

• They were not strong or detailed enough

• They were never ratified

• They gave too much power to the president

Which document established the three branches of the U.S. government?

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Federalist Papers

• The Bill of Rights

• The Constitution

What are the two houses of Congress?

• The Senate and the House of Representatives

• The House of Commons and the House of Lords

• The Parliament and the Senate

• The Assembly and the Council

Who was the first president of the United States?

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

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

What is the highest court in the United States?

• The Federal Court

• The Court of Appeals

• The Constitutional Court

• The Supreme Court

What is the primary function of the judicial branch?

• To elect the president

• To review laws and settle conflicts

• To enforce laws

• To create laws

What does the system of checks and balances ensure?

• That the judicial branch can make laws

• That Congress can override the Supreme Court

• That the government is fair and representative

• That the president has total control

Why is it important to have a system with checks and balances?

• To simplify the law-making process

• To make the government more complex

• To ensure no single branch has total control

• To allow one branch to have total power