U.S. Civics and Government Review

These vocabulary-style flashcards cover essential concepts of U.S. government, history, and civic rights based on the lecture notes.

Republic

The form of government of the United States.

The U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the land which forms the government.

We the People

The first words of the U.S. Constitution expressing the idea of self-government.

Amendments

The method by which changes are made to the U.S. Constitution.

The Bill of Rights

The part of the Constitution that protects the basic rights of Americans.

27

The total number of amendments currently in the U.S. Constitution.

Declaration of Independence

The founding document adopted on July 4, 1776, that said America is free from British control.

Liberty and equality

Two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Capitalism

The economic system of the United States.

Rule of law

The principle that no one is above the law.

Legislative, executive, and judicial

The three branches of government designed so one part does not become too powerful.

The President of the United States

The individual in charge of the executive branch and the Commander in Chief of the military.

Congress

The part of the federal government that writes laws, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

U.S. Senator

A representative of the people of their state, elected for a term of 6 years.

100

The total number of U.S. senators in Congress.

U.S. Representative

A member representing people in their congressional district, elected for a term of 2 years.

435

The number of voting members in the House of Representatives.

22nd Amendment

The amendment that established the President can serve only two terms.

The Vice President

The official who becomes president if the president can no longer serve.

President's Cabinet

A group that advises the President, including positions like Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury.

Electoral College

The system that decides who is elected president.

The Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, consisting of 9 seats.

10th Amendment

States that powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

U.S. Citizens

Individuals who can vote in federal elections, run for office, and serve on a jury.

Oath of Allegiance

A promise made by new citizens to defend the Constitution and obey the laws of the United States.

Selective Service

The system all men age 18 through 25 must register for as required by law.

Thomas Jefferson

The writer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Federalist Papers

A series of essays that supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution, co-authored by James Madison.

James Madison

Known as the Father of the Constitution.

Louisiana Territory

The territory the United States bought from France in 1803.

The Civil War

The war between the North and the South in the 1800s that ended slavery.

Emancipation Proclamation

The document issued by Abraham Lincoln that freed the slaves.

14th Amendment

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

Susan B. Anthony

A leader of the women's rights movement in the 1800s.

1920

The year when all women got the right to vote.

The Great Depression

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

The Cold War

A period where the Soviet Union was the main rival and communism was a primary concern of the U.S.

Civil rights movement

The movement that fought to end racial discrimination.

September 11, 2001

The date terrorists attacked the United States, leading to the War in Afghanistan.

E Pluribus Unum

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

Memorial Day

A holiday to honor soldiers who died in military service.

Veterans Day

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