Title: Gr00 Rights
Course: Civics Citizenship Class of 20##

Q: What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
- conservation
- civil rights movement
- women's suffrage
- prohibition
A: civil rights movement

Q: What is one reason colonists came to America?
- for the experience traveling across the ocean
- freedom
- none of these answers
- to join a civic group
A: freedom
Feedback: Colonists came to America because they wanted political liberty. They wanted religious freedom and economic opportunity. The United States is a country where individual rights and self-government are important. This has always been true. Colonists first came to America for more freedom. Governments in Europe ruled the colonies. But the colonists were free to decide many things for themselves. Some colonists came to America for religious freedom. In Europe, the government punished people for practicing certain religions. In America, there was more freedom of religion. Some colonists came to America for political liberty. One example of political liberty is the government in Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The men in the colony voted to elect a governor. Later, they elected representatives to their government. Some colonists came to America for economic opportunity. In the colonies, people had more opportunities to trade goods and farm the land. America was a place where colonists were free to do things differently. It was an opportunity to have a better life.

Q: What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
- life and pursuit of happiness
- liberty and justice
- life and death
- life and right to own a home
A: life and pursuit of happiness
Feedback: Leaders of the new American government wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It told the world that American colonists were free from Great Britain. It said that all people were created equal. It said that the government should protect citizens' rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The rights in the Declaration of Independence are important in United States history. They are still important today. Americans continue to believe in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Q: What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
- press (Correct. Speech, religion, assembly, press, and freedom to petition the government are rights in the First Amendment)
- pursuit of happiness
- provide schooling and education
- you don't have to pay (a poll tax) to vote
A: press
Feedback: The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights protects a person’s right to freedom of expression. Freedom of expression allows open discussion and debate on public issues. Open discussion and debate are important to democracy. The First Amendment also protects freedom of religion and free speech. This amendment says that Congress may not pass laws that establish an official religion and may not limit religious expression. Congress may not pass laws that limit freedom of the press or the right of people to meet peacefully. The First Amendment also gives people the right to petition the government to change laws or acts that are not fair. Congress may not take away these rights. The First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees and protects these rights.

Q: What is freedom of religion?
- You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
- You are not allowed to practice any religion.
- You can pledge allegiance to any flag.
- You can only practice government-approved religions.
A: You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
Feedback: Colonists from Spain, France, Holland, England, and other countries came to America for many different reasons. One of the reasons was religious freedom. The rulers of many of these countries told their citizens that they must go to a certain church and worship in a certain way. Some people had different religious beliefs than their rulers and wanted to have their own churches. In 1620, the Pilgrims were the first group that came to America seeking religious freedom. Religious freedom was also important to the Framers. For this reason, freedom of religion was included in the Constitution as part of the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The First Amendment also prohibits Congress from setting up an official U.S. religion, and protects citizens’ rights to hold any religious belief, or none at all.

Q: What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- give an elected official your opinion on an issue and join a community group
- vote and join a civic group
- write to a newspaper and call Senators and Representatives
- all of the answers
A: all of the answers
Feedback: American democracy only works when people are active in the government. Our government has a duty to listen to citizens' opinions and take them seriously. Voting is one of the best ways for citizens to participate in their democracy. But it is not the only way. We can also call or write letters to government representatives. We can ask questions about the government or share our opinion. We can join a civic group, a community group, or help with an election campaign. We can write a letter to a newspaper. Sometimes the newspaper will print the letter for everyone to read. Or, we can choose to run for office.

Q: Name one right only for United States citizens.
- freedom of religion
- freedom of speech
- attend public school
- run for federal office
A: run for federal office
Feedback: Only United States citizens can vote in federal elections and run for federal office. Citizens make laws through elected representatives. Many naturalized citizens have been elected as U.S. senators and U.S. representatives. However, naturalized citizens cannot run for president.

Q: What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
- freedom of speech and freedom of assembly (Everyone living in the US has the right to freedom of expression, speech, assembly, religion, to petition the government, and to bear arms.)
- right to bear arms and right to serve on a jury
- freedom of worship and right to vote without poll taxes
- freedom of speech and freedom to run for federal office
A: freedom of speech and freedom of assembly
Feedback: Thomas Jefferson said, “[The] best principles [of our republic] secure to all its citizens a perfect equality of rights.” Millions of immigrants have come to America to have these rights. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights give many of these rights to all people living in the United States. These rights include the freedom of expression, of religion, of speech, and the right to bear arms. All people living in the United States also have many of the same duties as citizens, such as paying taxes and obeying the laws.