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Stuff Every Nation Citizen Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Nation Citizen Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Principles and Documents

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • The Constitution defines and limits government power and has been in effect since 1789.
  • The federal government is composed of legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
  • Congress is the legislative branch and is described in Article I of the Constitution.
  • The House has 435 voting members, each representing a congressional district.
  • Each state has two senators regardless of population, for 100 total.
  • Senators serve six-year terms, and about one third are elected every two years.
  • House members serve two-year terms and must be elected, not appointed.
  • A representative must be at least 25, a citizen for seven years, and live in the state.
  • The Senate gives advice and consent on cabinet officers, judges, and ambassadors.
  • All legislative bills for raising revenue must originate in the House.
  • A presidential veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses.
  • The House first votes to impeach, then the Senate holds a trial.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does the Constitution of the United States do?
    • It sets up the federal government and its powers
    • It lists every law citizens must follow
    • It chooses the president each year
    Show the answer

    It sets up the federal government and its powers. The Constitution defines and limits government power and has been in effect since 1789.

  2. What can Congress do if the president vetoes a bill?
    • Nothing at all
    • Override it with a two-thirds vote in both houses
    • Ask the Supreme Court to sign it
    Show the answer

    Override it with a two-thirds vote in both houses. A presidential veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses.

  3. Who appoints federal judges?
    • The House alone
    • The states
    • The president, with Senate confirmation
    Show the answer

    The president, with Senate confirmation. The president appoints federal judges, and the Senate confirms them.

  4. What does the Preamble list?
    • Six purposes for the Constitution
    • The Bill of Rights
    • The states
    Show the answer

    Six purposes for the Constitution. The Preamble sets forth six purposes for creating the Constitution.

  5. What power does Congress have over war?
    • It can only end wars
    • It can declare war
    • It can only fund wars
    Show the answer

    It can declare war. Declaring war is one of Congress's enumerated powers under Article I, Section 8.

Now make it stick

Read a chapter, then play the deck and see how much stuck.

This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 27 are in the game for members.

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