Test your knowledge of how the US government works!
1. What is the common good?
The common good is when people think about what's best for everyone in their community, not just themselves. Good citizens work together for the common good by following laws, voting, and helping their neighbors.
2. What type of government does the United States have?
The United States is a constitutional republic. This means we elect leaders to make decisions for us, and those leaders must follow the rules written in the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest law in our country.
3. Which is NOT a guideline for the rule of law?
The rule of law means everyone must follow the law—even the President! The guidelines for rule of law are: laws must be clear so people understand them, laws must be applied equally to everyone, and laws must be approved through proper process. Laws can be changed when needed through amendments.
4. What are the three branches of the federal government? What is the purpose of each branch?
The federal government has three branches: The Legislative Branch (Congress) makes laws. The Executive Branch (President) enforces laws. The Judicial Branch (Courts) interprets laws and decides if they follow the Constitution.
Write your answer below:
Hint: Name each branch and what it does.
5. Who is the head of the executive branch?
The Executive Branch enforces laws and is led by the President of the United States. The President works from the White House in Washington, D.C. and makes sure the country's laws are followed.
6. Which branch of government creates laws?
The Legislative Branch is made up of Congress, which includes the Senate and House of Representatives. This branch creates (makes) laws for our country. They meet in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
7. Which branch of government includes the Supreme Court?
The Judicial Branch interprets laws and decides if they follow the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the highest court in this branch. It's made up of nine justices who make the final decisions about what the law means.
8. What is the purpose of the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court's purpose is to interpret laws and decide if laws are constitutional (if they follow the rules in the Constitution). The Court makes sure that the laws passed by Congress don't violate the rights protected by the Constitution.
9. How does a person become a judge for the Supreme Court?
To become a Supreme Court justice, the President nominates (chooses) a person, and then the Senate must vote to approve that person. If the Senate approves, the person becomes a justice and can serve for life.
10. When was the Supreme Court established?
The Supreme Court was established in 1789 by the Judiciary Act. This was the same year George Washington became the first President. The Constitution created the Supreme Court, but Congress set up how it would work.
11. What system keeps all branches of government equal?
The checks and balances system keeps all three branches of government equal. Each branch has special powers that can limit the other branches. This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
12. What branch of government appoints judges?
The Executive Branch (the President) has the power to appoint (nominate) judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts. This is one of the President's important powers in the checks and balances system.
13. What branch of government can strike down approved laws?
The Judicial Branch (the courts) can strike down (declare unconstitutional) laws that have been approved by Congress and signed by the President. This is called "judicial review" and is an important check on the other branches.
14. How many senators does each state have?
Every state has exactly 2 senators, no matter how big or small the state is. This means there are 100 senators total (50 states × 2 = 100). Senators serve 6-year terms.
15. What is the purpose of the legislative branch?
The purpose of the Legislative Branch is to make laws for the country. Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) debates ideas, votes on bills, and passes laws that the President then signs.
16. Who is the president of the Senate?
The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate. The Vice President can vote in the Senate to break a tie when there are equal votes on both sides.
17. Which value means all people are treated the same, no matter what?
Equality means that all people are treated the same, no matter their race, religion, age, or background. In America, the law applies equally to everyone—rich or poor, young or old.
18. What kind of values are fairness, justice, and equality?
Fairness, justice, and equality are called democratic values. These are the important beliefs that guide how a democracy works. They help make sure everyone is treated fairly and has a voice in government.
19. What system makes decisions when more than half of the people agree?
Majority rule is the system where decisions are made when more than half of the people agree. For example, if 6 out of 10 people vote yes, the majority wins. However, the rights of the minority (people who disagreed) are still protected.