Unit 6: Lessons 1-3 U.S. Government

What is the U.S. government?

• A system of checks and balances

• A monarchy

• A dictatorship

Which of the following is NOT a democratic idea in U.S. government?

• Separation of powers

• Rule of Law

• Dictatorship

• Individual Rights

What is the purpose of the U.S. government and why is it important for our country? Select ALL ANSWERS THAT APPLY.

• The system that governs the United States

• Makes decisions for the benefit of all citizens

• Allows for some branches of government to be more powerful than others.

• Power is held by the people and elected officials

Which came FIRST: The Articles of Confederation OR the U.S. Constitution?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The U.S. Constitution

What were the strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

• It established a strong central government

• It gave power to the State governments

• It created a national currency

• It provided for a federal court system

Which of the following were weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? Select ALL Answers that apply.

• No national court system

• New states would have equal power and rights as original 13 states

• No national currency (money)

• Difficult to pass and amend laws

Why did the United States decide to replace the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution that is in effect today?

• To strengthen the national government and address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation

• To avoid any changes

• To reduce the power of the National government

• To return to British rule

Who was a key figure that helped create the U.S. Constitution and was known as the "Father of the U.S. Constitution"?

• James Madison

• Thomas Jefferson

• Abraham Lincoln

• Theodore Roosevelt

What are the main parts of the U.S. Constitution?

• Preamble, Articles, and Amendments

• Introduction, Chapters, and Clauses

• Foreword, Sections, and Addendums

• Prologue, Divisions, and Revisions

Why is the U.S. Constitution important? Select all answers that apply.

• Protects our rights and freedoms

• Gives the Executive Branch all the power to make decisions for the country

• Establishes 3 branches of government

• Serves as the supreme law of the land