Unit 1 Study Guide KEY: Foundations of Government Declaration of Independence

Unit 1 Study Guide KEY: Foundations of Government Unit Study Guide: Answer these questions on your own. This will help you prepare for quizzes/tests!

1. How did the founding documents influence the US Constitution? Charters of the Virginia Company of London Important Details: *

Virginia Declaration of Rights Important Details: *

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

Declaration of Independence

Articles of Confederation

Important Details:

Important Details:

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Important Details: * *

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US Constitution - 1787 2. What is a preamble? First sentence to the US Constitution that lists the purposes of the Constitution 3. What are the SEVEN main reasons the Constitution of the United States was written, as stated in the Preamble.  We the People – people are the source of power in the US  To form a more perfect union – create a more united country  Establish justice – have fair courts and laws  Ensure domestic tranquility – peace in OUR COUNTRY  Common defense – have a US military to protect the country  Promote the general welfare – provide for citizens when needed to make sure everyone is happy and healthy  Secure the blessings of liberty – to guarantee our freedom and rights 4. The US Constitution: a. establishes the STRUCTURE of the US government b. guarantees EQUALITY under the law with MAJORITY rule and the rights of the MINORITY protected c. affirms the individual WORTH and DIGNITY of all people d. protects the fundamental freedoms of RELGION, PRESS, SPEECH, ASSEMBLY, PETITION

5. Define the following terms: a. Amendment means to CHANGE TO THE CONSTITUTION b. Proposal means to ASK FOR AN AMENDMENT c. Ratification means to APPROVE AN AMENDMENT 6. How many times has the Constitution been amended? 27 7. Process for amending the Constitution of the United States:

First Step: PROPOSAL by Congress Second Step: RATIFICATION by States 8. What is the Bill of Rights? FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE US CONSTITUTION 9. Are the liberties and rights in the Bill of Rights absolute? NO Why or why not? BECAUSE OUR RIGHTS MAY BE LIMITED TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE – for example: you cannot yell “fire!” in a crowded movie theater when there isn’t a fire because you could cause someone to get hurt. __________________________________________________________________ First Amendment freedoms

Freedom of

Freedom of

Freedom of

Freedom of

Freedom of

PRESS

RELIGION

ASSEMBLY

SPEECH

PETITION

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Definition:

Freedom to publish or broadcast information

Freedom to practice any religion you wish

Freedom to gather together peacefully and legally

Freedom to express an opinion

Freedom to contact the govt with your complaints

Example:

Example:

Example:

Publishing an article criticizing the government

Being Muslim, Christian, Jewish

Holding a rally in Washington DC with a permit

Putting a sticker on your car supporting someone for President

Example:

Example: Writing the President a letter with an idea

10. Identify each of the FIVE fundamental principles that shaped the United States’ government. Describe

the meaning of each principle.     

Consent of the governed—People are the source of any and all governmental power. Limited government—Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things people have given it the power to do. Rule of law—The government and those who govern are bound by the law. Democracy—In a democratic system of government the people rule. Representative government—In a representative system of government people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on their behalf.