Arkansas Civics Exam Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and questions from the Arkansas Civics Exam Study Guide, designed to help students prepare for the civics portion of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization test.

What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution.

What does the Constitution do?

Sets up the government, defines the government, protects basic rights of Americans.

What are the first three words of the Constitution that signifies self-government?

We the People.

What is an amendment?

A change or addition to the Constitution.

What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights.

What are the rights or freedoms protected by the First Amendment?

Speech, religion, assembly, press, petition the government.

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

Twenty-seven (27).

What did the Declaration of Independence do?

Announced our independence from Great Britain.

What rights are declared in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.

What is freedom of religion?

You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

What is the economic system in the United States?

Capitalist economy or market economy.

What is the 'rule of law'?

Everyone must follow the law; leaders and government must obey the law.

What are the branches of government?

Congress (legislative), President (executive), courts (judicial).

What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and balances; separation of powers.

Who is in charge of the executive branch?

The President.

How many U.S. Senators are there?

One hundred (100).

We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

Six (6).

Who is one of your state's U.S. Senators now?

John Boozman or Tom Cotton.

The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

Four hundred thirty-five (435).

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

Two (2).

Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

All people of the state.

Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

Because of the state's population.

We elect a President for how many years?

Four (4).

In what month do we vote for President?

November.

What is the name of the President of the United States now?

Donald Trump.

What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

JD Vance or James David Vance.

If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The Vice President.

If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The Speaker of the House.

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President.

Who signs bills to become laws?

The President.

Who vetoes bills?

The President.

What does the President's Cabinet do?

Advises the President.

What does the judicial branch do?

Reviews laws, explains laws, resolves disputes, decides if a law goes against the Constitution.

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court.

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

Nine (9).

Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

John Roberts.

What is one power of the federal government?

To print money, declare war, create an army, make treaties.

What is one power of the states?

Provide schooling and education, provide protection, approve zoning and land use.

Who is the Governor of your state now?

Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

What is the capital of your state?

Little Rock.

What are the two major political parties in the United States?

Democratic and Republican.

What is the political party of the President now?

Republican Party.

What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

Mike Johnson.

What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

Serve on a jury or vote in a federal election.

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 religion.

What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

The United States or the flag.

What are the promises that you make when you become a United States citizen?

Give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution, obey the laws of the United States, serve in the U.S. military if needed.

How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

Eighteen (18) and older.

What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Vote, join a political party, help with a campaign, join a civic group.

When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?

April 15.

When must all men register for the Selective Service?

At age eighteen (18) or between eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26).

Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

American Indians or Native Americans.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

July 4, 1776.

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War.

What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

Freed the slaves, saved the Union, led during the Civil War.

What did Susan B. Anthony do?

Fought for women's rights.

What major event happened on September 11, 2001?

Terrorists attacked the United States.

Which of the following is an American Indian tribe in the United States?

Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa.