WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:17.250 Part 1 of 4. Principles of American democracy. In this part you will learn 8 key words from the U.S. civics test. For each word, you will hear a simple meaning, an example and a memory tip. At the end there are three quick questions. 00:00:17.450 --> 00:00:19.475 republic 00:00:19.675 --> 00:00:24.450 A country where people elect leaders to make decisions for them. 00:00:24.650 --> 00:00:31.775 For example: The United States is a republic. Citizens elect people to govern for them. 00:00:31.975 --> 00:00:37.425 Memory tip: A republic has no king. The people choose the leaders. 00:00:37.625 --> 00:00:39.825 democracy 00:00:40.025 --> 00:00:43.925 Government by the people, usually by voting. 00:00:44.125 --> 00:00:49.100 For example: In a democracy, citizens vote in elections. 00:00:49.300 --> 00:00:57.575 Memory tip: The word comes from Greek: demos means the people. In a democracy, the people hold the power. 00:00:57.775 --> 00:01:00.025 Constitution 00:01:00.225 --> 00:01:05.175 The most important law of the country. It sets up the government. 00:01:05.375 --> 00:01:11.025 For example: The Constitution sets up the government of the United States. 00:01:11.225 --> 00:01:17.075 Memory tip: Think of the Constitution as the rule book for the whole country. 00:01:17.275 --> 00:01:19.300 amendment 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:23.100 A change or addition to the Constitution. 00:01:23.300 --> 00:01:28.200 For example: The Constitution can be changed with an amendment. 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:35.200 Memory tip: An amendment is an add-on. The Constitution has 27 of them. 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:37.525 Bill of Rights 00:01:37.725 --> 00:01:42.050 The first ten amendments. They protect basic rights. 00:01:42.250 --> 00:01:48.725 For example: The Bill of Rights protects freedoms such as freedom of speech and religion. 00:01:48.925 --> 00:01:53.675 Memory tip: The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments. 00:01:53.875 --> 00:01:56.850 Declaration of Independence 00:01:57.050 --> 00:02:02.750 The 1776 paper that said the colonies were free from Britain. 00:02:02.950 --> 00:02:11.250 For example: In 1776, the Declaration of Independence said the colonies were free from Britain. 00:02:11.450 --> 00:02:18.100 Memory tip: Remember 1776. July 4 is Independence Day. 00:02:18.300 --> 00:02:20.325 liberty 00:02:20.525 --> 00:02:22.450 Freedom. 00:02:22.650 --> 00:02:28.850 For example: Liberty means people are free to speak and to choose their religion. 00:02:29.050 --> 00:02:34.575 Memory tip: Liberty means freedom. Think of the Statue of Liberty. 00:02:34.775 --> 00:02:37.025 rule of law 00:02:37.225 --> 00:02:41.050 Everyone must follow the law, even leaders. 00:02:41.250 --> 00:02:45.550 For example: Even the President must obey the law. 00:02:45.750 --> 00:02:49.525 Memory tip: Nobody is above the law. 00:02:49.725 --> 00:03:01.975 Quick review. Look at each word and say it out loud: republic, democracy, Constitution, amendment, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, liberty, rule of law. 00:03:02.175 --> 00:03:10.875 Time for a quick quiz. Three questions about the words in this part. After each question, you will have five seconds to think. 00:03:11.075 --> 00:03:31.625 Question 1. Which description best fits how the United States is governed? A. A government run by the military. B. A system where one party appoints every official. C. A monarchy led by a hereditary ruler. D. A republic, where citizens elect representatives to govern for them. 00:03:36.825 --> 00:03:50.775 The answer is D. A republic, where citizens elect representatives to govern for them. The U.S. is a republic: power comes from the people, who choose representatives under a constitution. 00:03:50.975 --> 00:04:07.025 Question 2. What does the Bill of Rights protect? A. The borders of the country. B. The right of states to print their own money. C. The basic rights of people living in the United States. D. The powers of the President over Congress. 00:04:12.225 --> 00:04:23.700 The answer is C. The basic rights of people living in the United States. The first ten amendments protect basic rights such as speech, religion and a fair trial. 00:04:23.900 --> 00:04:40.425 Question 3. What does the "rule of law" mean? A. Laws apply only to ordinary citizens. B. Judges may ignore laws they disagree with. C. The President may set laws aside in an emergency. D. No one is above the law. 00:04:45.625 --> 00:04:53.950 The answer is D. No one is above the law. Everyone, including leaders and the government, must obey the law. 00:04:54.150 --> 00:05:03.975 That is the end of this part. Try the sample questions on our website, and say each word out loud in English. Good luck with your study.