Government Study Guide

Test date______________

The purpose of rules and laws is to keep people safe and maintain order.
The purpose of government is to make laws, carry out laws, and decide if laws have been
broken.
Governments are necessary because they develop laws and protect the rights and
property of individuals.
Basic principles held by American citizens include- the right to life, liberty , and the
pursuit of happiness; and equality under the law.
Many citizens work to defend the basic principles that form the foundation of a
republican form of government.
Veterans Day- a day in recognition of and respect for Americans who served in the
military; observed in November (Veterans Day = November)

Memorial Day- a day in recognition of and respect for Americans who died in wars while
serving their country; observed in May (Memorial Day =

May = in Memory of....)

Some of the ways people can serve their community, state, and nation:
being a volunteer
being involved in community projects
serving as a government official
joining the military
voting
Americans- people of diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who are united by
the basic principles
What unites the people of the United States? the basic principles of a republican
form of government (individual rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and
equality under the law) and respect for individual rights and freedoms
government- a group of people who make rules and laws, carry out rules and laws, and
decide if rules and laws have been broken

What are some benefits of diversity in the United States? food, clothing, music
Every nation in the world has its own special food dishes. These dishes are brought
to the United States by families from other countries.
American music is a combination of music from all over the world.
On special days, many people dress in costumes of the country from which their
ancestors came.
communities- a place where people live, work, and play
diversity- differences in people such as food, clothing, and music
direct democracy- a type of government where everyone votes directly. They make
their own rules and laws.
representative democracy- also known as a republican type of government. The people
vote for a smaller group of people (representatives) to make the laws.
rules- what people must or must not do
laws- important rules written and carried out by the government
Equality under the law- all people are treated fairly
rights- privileges that we are born with that cannot be taken away
Basic principles- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are privileges that people are
born with and cannot be taken away. Many people worked to defend the basic principles
that formed the foundation of a republican form of government.
Life, Liberty, and Happiness: What do they really mean?
Life means that we must all live in safety. One way our government tries to
protect us from harm is by keeping armed forces ready to defend America.
Liberty means having the freedom to make choices- to think, feel, or choose just
as you please as long as it does not hurt others.
Happiness comes when we know we can get decent jobs and put food on our tables.
We feel happy when we have time to do the things we love. Happiness comes from
having opportunities.