Civics Literacy Test

Right to Marry

A fundamental right protected under the 14th Amendment.

private life

Relates to a citizen's right to privacy and the pursuit of private and personal interests.

civic life

The public life of the citizen concerned with the affairs of the community and nation.

Limited Government

The government has only the powers granted to it in the Constitution, and it can only conduct actions permitted by the Constitution.

Rule of Law

An essential component of limited government. Society is governed according to widely known and accepted rules followed by both government and citizens.

Checks and Balances

The Constitutionally granted power for one branch of government to block action by another branch.

Separation of powers

The Constitution keeps the executive, legislative, and judicial branches separate and equal.

Declaration of Independence

The public act by which the Second Continental Congress declared the colonies free and independent from Britain on July 4, 1776.

Articles of Confederation

First Constitution of the U.S. from 1781-1788 with a weak central government and strong state powers.

Great Compromise or Connecticut Compromise

1787 agreement creating a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Electoral College

The body of electors who formally elect the President and Vice President.

Supreme Court

Consists of nine justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate; determines constitutionality of laws.

3/5ths clause 1787

Compromise counting enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for congressional representation.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that carries out laws.

president and vice president

Elected by the Electoral College and serve four-year terms.

senators

Elected statewide, serve six-year terms, and there are 100 members total.

House of Representatives

The lower house of Congress with representation based on population; 435 members elected every two years.

death penalty

New York was the first state to adopt electrocution; the Supreme Court has not ruled one specific method mandatory.

Federalism

A form of government where power is divided between the national government and the states.

19th Amendment (1920)

Gave women the right to vote.

Redistricting

The redrawing of legislative district boundaries every 10 years following the census.

gerrymandering

Redrawing districts to give unfair political advantage.

State of the Union

Annual speech where the president reports on the condition of the country and recommends policies.

How a bill becomes a law

A bill is written, discussed in committee, voted on in both houses of Congress, then signed or vetoed by the president.

filibuster

A Senate practice of prolonged debate to delay or prevent a vote.

Process of impeachment

The House brings charges, the Senate holds a trial, and a 2/3 Senate vote is needed for removal.

Factors that influence congress votes

Party pressure, president’s views, lobbyists, constituents, and personal opinions.

Requirements to be President

Must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and live in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

powers of president

Appoints judges, vetoes bills, commands the military, makes treaties, grants pardons, and recommends legislation.

Power and process of supreme court

The Court may choose cases, hear oral arguments, deliberate privately, and issue majority opinions.

Supreme court

Established with nine justices including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.

Freedom of speech (1st amendment)

Protects freedom of speech, press, assembly, and expression.

Freedom of Religion

Protects free exercise of religion and prevents government establishment of religion.

Sherbert Test

Legal standard requiring compelling governmental interest and least restrictive means in free exercise cases.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship and guarantees equal protection and due process.

14th amendment

Citizenship for African Americans, repeal of the 3/5 compromise, denial of office to former Confederates, rejection of Confederate debts, and right to marry.

fundamental rights

Rights recognized by the Supreme Court as requiring high protection from government interference.

Decloration of Sentiments

Document detailing social injustice toward women.

13th amendment

Abolished slavery.

15th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Prohibits denying voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

24th amendment

Prohibited poll taxes.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Law designed to reduce discrimination barriers to voting.

19th amendment

Gave women the right to vote.

26th amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

unlimited government

A government without effective restraints on its power.

Republic

A form of government where citizens elect representatives to govern.

what is a major role of political parties in the United States

To nominate candidates to run in elections.

3rd Amendment of the US Constitution?

Protection from quartering troops.

4th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Protects due process, against double jeopardy and self-incrimination, and guarantees property rights.

6th amendment (criminal)

Guarantees a speedy and public trial, impartial jury, lawyer, and knowledge of accusations.

Seventh Amendment

Right to trial by jury in civil cases.

8th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.

9th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Protects rights not specifically listed in the Constitution.

10th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Reserves undelegated powers to the states and the people.

Eleventh Amendment

Restricts lawsuits against states by citizens of another state or country.

12th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Requires separate Electoral College votes for president and vice president.

13th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Abolishes slavery.

14th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Defines citizenship and guarantees due process and equal protection.

15th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Prohibits denying voting rights based on race or previous servitude.

16th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Allows the federal government to collect income taxes.

17th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Established direct election of senators.

18th Amendment (1919)

Prohibited manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

19th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Gave women the right to vote.

20th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Changed dates for presidential and congressional terms.

21st Amendment of the US Constitution?

Repealed Prohibition.

22nd Amendment of the US Constitution?

Limits presidents to two terms.

23rd Amendment of the US Constitution?

Gave Washington D.C. electoral votes.

24th Amendment (1964)

Prohibited poll taxes.

25th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Clarified presidential succession and vice presidential replacement.

26th Amendment of the US Constitution?

Lowered the voting age to 18.