God Bless America

GOD BLESS AMERICA
Prayer  Reflections For Our Country
A Prayer for Our Country(inspirio, The gift group of zondervan)
Almighty God, you have given us this great land as our heritage. 
We humbly pray that we may always remember your generosity and faithfully do your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education and an honorable way of life. Defend our liberties and strengthen the resolve of the people who have come from throughout the world to make America their home. Lead us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. Help us to appreciate the opportunities world. May we balance our concern for justice with a willingness to display mercy,and may our concern for security be tempered with a willingness to take risks which will produce worthwhile change for the good of all people.
Oh Lord, we pray for your guidance as we work togather for the best interest of our communities, our nation, our world, and the ultimate goal of peace, When times are prosperous. Let our hearts be thankful and in troubled times may our deepest trust be in you. Amen.
Chaplains' Service Book of Prayers

Thankful to be an American
Alone among the great nations of the world, Americans define their identify outside the boundaries of geography or common ethnic ancestry. For us there is no fatherland; nor can most of us there, as the British, French, Norwgians, and Irish so proudly do.We are instead a people who have come from every corner of globe, most of us in the last century, and all of us in pursuit of a most noble and remarkable vision- that in this land men and women could live in freedom and liberty with thier God-given rights respected. It is, therefore, a common creed, not common ancestral roots, which binds us togather. That creed was best expressed in the Declaration of Independence which announced, 
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." 
Americans are forever indebted to those who pledged their lives and fortunes and sacred honor to make this experiment in rdered liberty possible.
"Gratitude," G.K. Chesterton wrote, "Is the mother of all virtues" 
As Americans we have reason to be filled with gratitude at all times; gratitude to God who gave us the opportunity to come to this land and to live in freedom, gratitude to our Founding Fathers who set forth those principles that constitute our creed, and gratitude to following generations who have defended us. This should inspire and encourage in Americans a sense of civic duty and responsibility far greater than loyalty to state or ancestry. 
When in the Korean War my turn came to serve my country, I saw it as not only my duty, but a privilige. Greatful for my liberty, I could no less than my duty to protect it. The history of the past 225 years shows what a difference loyalty to principled beliefs can make. America has never sought wars of expansion. It has sought to liberate and restore those it has defeated. It has shared its bounty and wealth with the poor. It has rescued the suffering. 
It has done this not because the fatherland orders it, but because our devotion to human dignity and human liberty demands it. America is different-it is a vision, Americans should give thanks to God each day and  pledge anew to our Founding Fathers. 
----Charles W. Colson, Chairman , Prison Fellowship Ministries

Prayer
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:31
"A Foundation of Prayer"
The first Day of Prayer was declared by the Continental Congress in 1775. I therefore beg leave to move--- That henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning  before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officicate in that service. -Ben Franklin

In 1952 both Houses of Congress called upon the President to set aside a day each year as National Day of Prayer. Prayer has indeed been a vital force in the growth and development of this Nation. It would certainly be appropriate if--- the People of this country were to unite in a day of prayer each year---
reaffirming a dramatic manner the deep religious convictionwhich has prevailed throughout the history of the United States. -Judiciary Committee's Report
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill marking the first Thursday of May a National Day of Prayer. On our National Day of Prayer, then, we join together as people of many faiths to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope, that we might live ever mindful of His justice and thankful for His blessing. ---Ronald Reagan

" Prayers of United States Presidents"
Almighty God: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection: that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a sprit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in thses things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ---George Washington
I pray God I may be given the wisdom and the prudence to do my duty in the true spirit of this great people.---Woodrow Wilson

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 
A: Principles of American Democracy
1. What is the supreme law of the land? the Constitution 
2. What does the Constitution do? sets up the government , defines the government, protects basic rights of Americans         3. The idea of self-government is in the first words of the Constitution, What are these words? We the people
4. What is an amendment? a change (to the Constitution), an addition(to the Constitution)
5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? The bill of rights
" Bill of Rights" 
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free excercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of Grievances.                                                                   First Amendment Approved December 15, 1791

6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment? 
speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government
7. How many amendments does the Constitution have? twenty-seven(27)
8. How did the Declaration of Independence? announced our independence (from Great Britain), 
Declared our independence, said the the United States is free
"The liberty Bell Proclaim liberty through all the land and to all the in'habitants thereof". This inscription engraved on the Liberty Bell in 1753 is taken from Levitieus 25:10.
" The Declaration of Independence"
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection  of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. July 4, 1776 
9. What are Two rights in the Declaration if Independence? life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
10. What is freedom of religion? you can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

11. What is the economic system in the United States? capitalist economy, market economy
12. What is the "rule of law"?
Everyone must follow the law, leader must obey the law,Government must obey the law, No one is above the law.
13. Name one branch or part of the government . Congress, legislative, President, executive, the courts, judicial.
14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful? checks and balance, seperation of powers.
15. Who is in charge of executive branch? the President.
"Executive Oath of Office"

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I with faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." 
United States Constitution, Article II, Section I, Clause 8
In entering upon this great office I must humbly invoke the God of our father for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and responsible duties in such a manner as to restore harmony and ancient friendship among the people of the several States and to preserve our free institutions throughout many generations ---James Buchanan

So we pray to Him now for the vision to see our way clearly--to see the way that leads to a better life for ourselves and for all our fellows men--- to the achievement of His will to peace on earth. ---Franklin D. Roosevelt

Almighty God, as we stand here, at this moment, my future associates in the executive branch of the government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng and their fellow citizens everywhere. Give us, we pray, the power to discern. clearly right from wrong and allow all our works and actions to be governed thereby and the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people, regardless of station, race, or calling. May coperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concept of our Constitution, hold to differing political beliefs, so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and for Thy glory. Amen.---Dwight Eisenhower

I would like to have my frequent prayer answered that God let my life be meanigful in the enhancement of His kingdom and that my life might be meaningful in the enchacement of the lives of my fellow human beings. ---Jimmy Carter
Today, we utter no prayer more fervently than the ancient prayer for peace on Earth. ---Ronald Reagan

Heavenly Father, we how our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work. willing to heed and hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen---George Bush

16. Who makes federal laws? Congress, Senate and House(of Representatives) , 
(U.S. or national) legislature.
17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? the Senate and House(of Representatives)
18. How many U.S. Senator are there? one hundred(100)
19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? six years
20. Who is one of your state's U.S. Senator now ? Babara Boxer, Diane Feinstein.

21. The House of representatives has how many voting members? four hundred thirty-five (435).
22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years? two
23. Name your U.S. Representative 
24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent? all people of the state
25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states? (because of) the state's population

26. We elect a President for how many years? four
27. In what month do we vote for Pressident? November
28. What is the name of the President of the United states now? Barack Obama
29. What is the name of the vice President of the United States now? Joe Biden
30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President? the vice President

31. If both the President and Vice President can no longer serve, who become President? the Speaker of the House
32. Who is the Commander in Chief of millitary? the President
33. Who signs bills to become laws? the President
34. Who vetos bills? the President
35. What does the President's Cabinet do ? advises the President

36. What are two Cabinet-level positions? 1. Secretary of Agriculture 2.Secretary of Commerce 
3.Secretary of Defense 4Secretary of Energy 5.. Secretary of Health and Human Services 
6. Secretary of Homeland Security 7. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
8. Secretary of Interior 9. Secretary of State 
10. Secretary of Transportation 11. Secretary of Treasury 
12. Secreetary of Veterans' Attairs 13. Secretarry of Labor 14. Attorney General
37. What does the judicial branch do? review laws/ explain laws / resolves disputes (disagreements) / 
decides if a law goes against the Constitution
38. What is the highest court in the United States? the Supreme Court
39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court? nine
40. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States? robert court

41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government, What is one power of the government? 
to print money / to declare war/ to create an army / to make treaties

"In God We Trust" In 1864 The Congress of the United States of America approved adding " In God We Trust" to the two-cent coin. In 1908 Legislation was passed and "In God We Trust" was mandatory on all coins. In 1955 "In God We Trust" became mandatory on all U.S. coins and paper currency. IN 1956 "In God We Trust" became the national motto of the United States.

42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states, 
Whart is one power of the states?
provide schooling and education / provide protection(police) provide safety (fire departments/ give a driver's license approve zonning and land use
43. Who is the Governor of your state? Edmund G. Brown
44. What is the capitol of your state? Secrament
45. What is the two major political parties in the United States? Democratic and Republican.

46. What is the political party of the President now? Democratic party
47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now? John Bohener
48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Citizens eighteen(18) and older (can vote). You don't have to pay(a poll tax) to vote. Any citizen can vote. Women and men can vote. A male of any race(can vote).
49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? serve on jury / vote
50. What are two rights only for United States citizens? apply for a federal job vote, run for office, carry a U.S. passport

51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United states? 
freedom of expression , freedom of speech 
freedom of assembly , freedom to petition the government , 
freedom of worship, the right to the bear arms
52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? the United states , the flag

"The original Pledge of Allegiance"
I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible-with liberty and justice for all. Francis Bellamy. 1892
at the first National Flag Conference in Washington D.C. on June 14, 1923, a change was made for clarity; the words 
"the Flag of the United States" replaced "my flag." In 1942 Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.
In June of 1954 an amendment was made to add the words "under God." 
President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future: "in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."
" The Pledge allegiance "
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
53. WHAT IS ONE PROMISE YOU MAKE WHEN YOU BECOME A UNITED STATES CITIZEN?
give up loyalty to other countries/ defend the Constitution and laws of the United states / Obey the laws of the United States / serve in the U.S. millitary if needed / serve ( do important work for) the nation (if needed) / be loyal to the United States

"Oath of Allegiance"
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; 
that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; 
that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law;that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law;  and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental  reservation or purpose of evasion , so help me God.
54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President? eighteen and older
55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? 
vote , join a political party , help with a campaign , join civics group join community group, give an elelcted official your opinion on an issue call Senators and Representatives, publicly support or oppose an issue or policy, run for office , Write to a newspaper 
56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms? April 15
57. When must all men register for the Selective Service? at age eighteen / between eighteen and twenty-six
58. What is one reason colonists came to America? 
freedom / political liberty / religious freedom / economic opportunity / practice their religion / escape persecution

59. Who lived in America before the Eurpeans arrived? Native Americans , American indians
60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? Africans , people from Africa
61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
because of high taxes (taxation without representation) , because the British army stayed in their housees(boarding, quartering), because they didn't have self-governemnt
62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson
63. When was the Declaration of Independance adopted? July 4, 1776
64. There were 13 original states. 
New Hampshire , Massachsetts , Rhode island, Connnecticutt, New York, New Jersey , Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland , Virginia , North Carolina , South Carolina , Georgia 
65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention? The Constitution was written. The Founding Fathers Worte the Constitution.
66. When was the Constitution written? 1787
67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of U.S. Constitution. Name one of writers. 
James Madison , Alexanader Hamilton , John Jay 
68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for? 
U.S. diplomat , oldest member of the Constitutional Convention , Postermaster General of the United States , writer of " Poor Richard's Almanac" started the first free libraries.
69. Who is the "Father of our country? George Washinton
70. Who was the first President? George Washington 
71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? the Lousiana Territory , Lousiana
72. Name one war fought by United States in 1800s.
War of 1812 ,Mexican-American War , Civil War, Spanish- American War
73. Name the U.S. war between the North and South. Civil War, the War between the States
74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War. 
slavery , economic reasons , states' right

75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did? 
freed the slaves , Emancipation Proclamation , saved (or preserved) the Union led the United States during the Civil War.
"The Gettysburg Address"
Four score and seven years ago(87) our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicatedshfur to the proposition that all men are created equal.... that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. ---Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863-----
76. What did Emancipation Proclamation do? 
freed the slaves , freed slaves in the Confederacy freed slaves in the Confederate states , freed slaves in most Southern states
77. What did Susan B. Anthony do ? 
fought for women's rights , fought for civil rights
78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s. 
World 1 , World War II , Korean War , Vietnam War , Gulf War , Afgan and iraq War.
79. Who was President during World War I Woodrow Wilson
80. Who was President during the Great Depression and Waorld War II ? Franklin roosevelt
81. Who did the United States fight in World War II ? Japan, Germany. Italy
82. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a genenral. What War was he in ? World War II
83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? Communism
84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination? Civil rights movement
85. What did Martin Luter King. Jr. do? fought for civil rights , worked for equallity for all Americans
86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001 in the United States ? Terroists attacked the United States
87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. 
Cherokee / Navajo / Sioux / Chippewa / Choctaw / Pueblo / Apache / Iroquis / Creek / Blackfeet / Seminale / Cheyenne / Arawak / Shawnee / Mohegan / Huron / Oneida / Lakota / Crow / Teton / Hopi / Inuit 
88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. Missouri , Mississippi (river)
89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States? Pacific Ocean
90. What ocean is on the East Cast of the United States? Attlantic Ocean
91. Name one U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico , U.S. Virgin Islands , Americna Samoa Nothern Mariana Islands Guam
92. Name one state that borders Canada.
Alaska , Washington , Idaho , Montana , North Dakoda , Minesota , Michigan , Ohio , Pensylvania , New York , Vermont , New hampshire , Maine 
93. Name one state that borders Mexico. California , Arizona , New Mexico , Texas 
94. What is the capital of the United States? Washinton D.C.
95. Where is the Statue of Liberty ? 
New York ( Harbor) , Liberty Island New Jersey, Near New York City on the Hudson river 
"The Statue of Liberty"
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.--- Emma Lazarus, 1903------
96. Why does the flag 13 stripes?
because there were 13 original colonies , because the spripes represent the orinal colonies 
97. What does the flag have 50 stars? 
because there is one star for each state , because each state represent a state because there are 50 states
98. What is the name of the national anthem ? The Star- Spangled Banner
"The Star Spangled Banner"¨

During the War of 1812, the British captured the city of Washington, setting fire to the Capitol building and the White House. In the blaze of cannon fire, Francies Scott Key, a lawyer living in Georgetown, could still see an American flag waving over Fort McHenry. 
When the bombing suddenly stopped during that night, he had no way of knowing if the flag was still there of if the American stronghold had fallen the the British. But at dawn the American flag became visible, still inact over the fort. Key was inspired to write a poem. His brother-in-law took it to a printer and copies were circluated around the city. 
"The star Spangled Banner" was adopted as our national anthem on March 3, 1931.

"The Star-spangled Banner"
1 Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, 
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight; 
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, 
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
Oh, say, does that star-Spangled banner yet wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

2. Oh, thus be it ever when freeman shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blessed with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land 
Praised the power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!
-Francis Scott Key

99. When do we celebrate Independence Day? 4th of July 
100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
New Year Day , Martin Luther king, JR., Day , President Day , Memorial Day ,
Indep[endence Day , Labor Day , Veterans Day ,Thangksgiving , Chrismas 
07-20-2012 10; 29 pm