The United States

The Melting Pot- the U.S. is made up of many cultures that have blended into one culture of many flavors.

Rights of Citizens- Constitution guarantees the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Some others-

• protected speech
• freedom of worship
• right to own property
• right to vote.

Responsibilities of Citizens-

• Pay taxes
• Vote
• Jury Duty
• Military service
• Obey laws
• Volunteer for community service

Rights-Things citizens are able to do that are protected by laws.

Responsibilities- Duties people can count on you to do.

Political process- legal activities, like voting, people can do to change public or government policies.

Patriotism- the love for one's country

U.S. Constitution- document that is the basis of United States Law.

Limited Government- the powers of the leaders are limited. There are protected citizen rights.

Unlimited government- the leaders have nearly absolute power.

The two purposes of the Constitution-The framers of the Constitution wanted  to protect the rights of people, and to establish a stable government of laws for the common good.

Amendments- Changes or additions to the Constitution. There have been 27 amendments to the Constitution.

Bill of Rights- The first 10 amendments to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights is a list of freedoms guaranteed to every U.S. citizen. Some of these are:

• freedom of speech
• freedom of religion
• right to a fair trial
• right to assemble peacefully

Federal Government- The United States Government. It is our republic, headed by the President. The federal government has certain responsibilities:

• establishing an army
• declaring and waging war
• taxing
• making laws that help the federal government carry out its duties