What is the supreme law of the United States?: The Constitution
What does the Constitution do?: It sets up the government, defines its powers and protects basic rights
What are the first three words of the Constitution?: We the People
What does 'We the People' show about the government?: That the government's power comes from the people
What is an amendment?: A change or addition to the Constitution
What do we call the first ten amendments?: The Bill of Rights
How many amendments does the Constitution have?: Twenty-seven (27)
What did the Declaration of Independence do?: Announced that the colonies were free from Great Britain
Who wrote most of the Declaration of Independence?: Thomas Jefferson
On what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?: July 4, 1776
Name two rights listed in the Declaration of Independence.: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
What is freedom of religion?: You may practice any religion, or none
What is the economic system of the United States?: A capitalist or market economy
What is the rule of law?: Everyone, including leaders, must obey the law, and no one is above it
Name one right guaranteed by the First Amendment.: Speech, religion, assembly, press, or petitioning the government
What is freedom of the press?: The right to publish news and opinions without government control
What is the right to petition?: The right to ask the government to fix a problem
Who can vote in federal elections?: US citizens aged 18 and older
Name one right only for US citizens.: Voting in federal elections, or running for federal office
What rights do all people living in the US have?: Freedom of speech, religion, assembly and others in the Bill of Rights
What does a person promise in the Oath of Allegiance?: To give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and obey the laws
Name two promises in the Oath of Allegiance.: Obey the laws, serve in the military or do work of national importance if needed
Name one duty of every citizen.: Obeying laws, paying taxes, or serving on a jury when called
Name one responsibility only for citizens.: Serving on a jury, or voting in federal elections
How old must you be to vote?: Eighteen
What is a jury?: A group of citizens who decide the facts in a trial
What do Americans do on Election Day?: Vote for leaders and on issues
When is Election Day for federal offices?: In November
What must men register for at age 18?: Selective Service, the military draft registration system
Why is paying taxes a duty?: Taxes fund roads, schools, defense and other public services
When are federal income taxes due?: April 15, in most years
What is a political party?: A group of people with similar ideas who work to elect leaders
Name the two major political parties in the US.: Democratic and Republican
What is a citizen?: A full member of a country with rights and responsibilities
What is naturalization?: The process by which a foreign-born person becomes a citizen
What does 'equal justice under law' mean?: The law applies the same way to everyone
What is due process?: Fair legal procedures before the government takes life, liberty or property
What is the right to a speedy and public trial?: A defendant is tried promptly and in the open, guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment
What does the Fifth Amendment protect?: The right not to testify against yourself and to due process
What does the Fourth Amendment protect?: People from unreasonable searches and seizures
What is the right to bear arms?: The Second Amendment right to keep and carry weapons, subject to laws
What does the Eighth Amendment forbid?: Cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail
What is freedom of assembly?: The right to gather peacefully in groups
What is freedom of speech?: The right to express ideas without government punishment, with limits
What is a constitutional right?: A right protected by the Constitution
What is a civil right?: A right to equal treatment, such as voting and equal protection
What is a civic duty?: Something citizens should do to help the community and country
What is volunteering?: Giving your time to help others without pay
What is the pursuit of happiness?: The freedom to seek a good life in your own way
Why do we have a Constitution?: To create a lasting government with limited power and protected rights
Who has the final say in a democracy?: The people, by voting
What does 'limited government' mean?: The government can only do what the Constitution and laws allow
What is representative democracy?: People elect representatives to make laws for them
What is the Pledge of Allegiance?: A promise of loyalty to the flag and the republic
What is a patriot?: Someone who loves and supports their country
What is the Preamble?: The opening statement of the Constitution that states its purposes

Free flashcards from Peabody at peabody.kids/flashcards/civics-citizenship-democracy-and-rights