Citizenship Handbook Questions

01. The ______________ is the basic law of the United States. Constitution

2. The Constitution is broken into seven parts or ________. Articles

3. Any change in the Constitution is called an ________________. amendment

4. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the _______ _________ and they spell out the rights of individual _____________. Bill of Rights citizens

5. List the five basic freedoms provided by the First Amendment. Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Right to peacefully assemble Right to petition the government

6. Which amendment of the Constitution guarantees a citizen a trial by jury? 6th amendment

7. Explain “separation of powers.” It is the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.

8. List the three branches of government.

The U.S. Congress

The White House

The Supreme Court

9. Explain “checks and balances.” It is a system set up in the Constitution where each branch of the government has some authority over the other.

10. What is one check the President has over Congress? After Congress passes a bill, that bill cannot go into effect until the President signs it into law. The President can either sign the bill or veto it.

11. Who is head of the executive branch? The President

12. Name one check the judicial branch has over Congress. It can declare if a law passed by Congress is constitutional or not.

13. Explain the differences between duties and responsibilities of a citizen of the U.S.. Duties are required; if we fail to perform them, we are subject to legal penalties. Responsibilities are things we should do; there is no legal punishment if we do not perform responsibilities.

14. Where can a young person acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become a good citizen? School is where you acquire much of this knowledge.

15. What are the five duties of a U.S. Citizen? Serve in Court Obey all laws Defend the nation Attend School Pay Taxes S O D A P

Responsibilities are things that you should voluntarily do. Be informed. Vote. Participate in government. Respect the rights of others. Respect diversity.

16. Define income tax. Income tax is a percentage of the wages that people receive.

17. Why is it difficult to find impartial jurors sometimes? due to reports in the media

18. Why is the right to pray in school such a controversial issue? It continues to be debated: 1. separation of church and state 2. diversity