SF 369 High School Civics Test

Vocabulary flashcards covering principles of American government, the system of government, rights and responsibilities, history, and national symbols based on the SF 369 High School Civics Test.

Constitution

The supreme law of the land which defines the powers of government.

We the People

The opening words of the U.S. Constitution representing the principle of consent of the governed.

Amendment

A change or addition made to the U.S. Constitution; there are currently $27$ amendments.

Bill of Rights

The document that protects the basic rights of people living in the United States.

Declaration of Independence

The founding document that declared the American colonies were free from Britain and established that all people are created equal.

Economic System

The United States utilizes a capitalist or free market economy.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone must follow the law, leaders must obey the law, and no one is above the law.

Checks and balances

The system used to ensure that the three branches of government share power and remain fair.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government, known as Congress, responsible for writing laws.

Executive Branch

The branch of government headed by the President of the United States.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government consisting of the Supreme Court and federal courts that decides if a law goes against the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. Congress

The federal legislative body made up of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

U.S. Senator

A representative elected by the citizens of their state to a $6$-year term; there are $100$ total senators ($2$ per state).

House of Representatives

The part of Congress with $435$ voting members who serve $2$-year terms to closely follow public opinion.

Mike Johnson

The current Speaker of the House of Representatives.

22nd Amendment

The amendment that limits the President of the United States to serving only two terms.

Commander in Chief

The role of the President as the leader of the U.S. military.

Veto

The power of the President to refuse to sign a bill into law.

President’s Cabinet

A group of advisors to the President, including positions like the Secretary of State and Secretary of Education.

Electoral College

The system that decides who is elected president and helps protect small states.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, consisting of $9$ seats where justices serve for life.

John Roberts

The current Chief Justice of the United States.

10th Amendment

The amendment stating that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

Oath of Allegiance

The promise made by new citizens to give up loyalty to other countries and defend the U.S. Constitution.

Selective Service

A requirement by law for all men age $18$ through $25$ to register for potential military service.

American Revolution

The war Americans fought to win independence from Britain.

Thomas Jefferson

The primary writer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Federalist Papers

A series of essays that supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution, written by individuals like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

James Madison

Known as the "Father of the Constitution" and one of the writers of the Federalist Papers.

Louisiana Territory

The land purchased by the United States from France in $1803$.

The Civil War

The U.S. war fought between the North and the South in the $1800$s which ended slavery.

Emancipation Proclamation

The executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln that freed slaves in the Confederate States.

14th Amendment

The amendment defining that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are U.S. citizens.

The Great Depression

The longest economic recession in modern history, which began with the stock market crash of $1929$.

Franklin Roosevelt

The President of the United States during the Great Depression and World War II.

Cold War

A period of tension where the United States' main rival was Russia and the main concern was communism.

Civil rights movement

A movement that fought to end racial discrimination in the United States.

E Pluribus Unum

The nation's first motto, meaning "Out of many, one."

Memorial Day

A holiday used to honor soldiers who died in military service.

Veterans Day

A holiday to honor people who have served in the U.S. military.