Civic Literacy Exam Review

Flashcards covering key concepts of federal and state powers, the U.S. Constitution, amendments, historical events, figures, and government structure for the Civic Literacy Exam.

Federal Government Power (Interstate Commerce)

The power to regulate trade between states.

Federal Government Power (War)

The power to declare war, requiring Congress's approval.

Federal Government Power (Post Office)

The power to establish a post office.

Federal Government Power (Currency)

The power to print standardized money.

Federal Government Power (Army & Treaties)

The power to create an army and make treaties with other countries.

State Government Power (Local Governments)

The power to establish local governments.

State Government Power (Elections)

The power to conduct elections.

State Government Power (Education)

The power to regulate education and provide schooling.

State Government Power (Marriage & Divorce)

The power to manage laws regarding marriage and divorce.

State Government Power (Health, Safety, Welfare)

The authority to create laws that promote the health, safety, and welfare of residents, including police protection and fire safety.

State Government Power (Licensing)

The power to determine various licenses, such as driver's licenses.

State Government Power (Zoning and Land Use)

The power to approve and determine specific uses for land within the state (commercial, agricultural, residential).

Federalism

The principle of American government that establishes concurrent state and national governments, ensuring no single entity has too much power and allowing for diverse laws.

U.S. Constitution (Purpose)

Protects the rights of Americans through amendments, sets up the structure of government, and defines what the federal government can do.

What the U.S. Constitution Does Not Define

It does not define what states can do; state powers are anything not specifically outlined in the Constitution as federal.

First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of religion (free exercise clause), peaceful assembly, and the freedom to petition the government.

Number of Amendments

There are currently 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, written to protect the freedoms of the people shortly after the Constitution was established.

Declaration of Independence (Rights)

Lists the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Self-Government (First Three Words)

The first three words of the Constitution are 'We the People'.

U.S. Economic System

Considered a capitalist economy.

Rule of Law

The principle that states no one is above the law.

Presidential Succession

The proper order is vice president, then speaker of the house, if the president is no longer able to serve.

Federal Law-Making Body

The legislative branch (Congress) makes federal laws.

U.S. Senator Term

U.S. senators are elected for six years.

U.S. House of Representatives Voting Members

There are 435 voting members in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Commander-in-Chief of the Military

The President is the commander-in-chief of the military.

Current Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

John Roberts Jr.

13th Amendment

Deals with the abolition of slavery.

15th Amendment

Gave blacks and African Americans the right to vote.

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Fifth Amendment

Protects citizens from double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and outlines requirements for due process.

Amending the Constitution (Ratification)

An amendment must be ratified by two-thirds of both houses or two-thirds of the states, and then by three-quarters of the states.

Rights for U.S. Residents

Anyone living in the U.S. can petition the government; only citizens can vote in federal elections, serve on a jury, or run for federal office.

Reasons Colonists Fought British

Quartering of soldiers, desire for self-government, and taxation without representation.

Not an Original Colony

Vermont was not one of the original colonies.

Federalist Papers Authors

Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay (not Thomas Jefferson).

Benjamin Franklin (Roles)

Known as a postmaster general, founder of the first free libraries, and a U.S. diplomat (not Secretary of State).

Civil War Reasons

Primarily caused by slavery, states' rights (regarding slavery), and economic factors (not taxation without representation).

Susan B. Anthony

Best known for fighting for women's rights.

President During World War I

Woodrow Wilson.

Cold War Main Concern

Communism was the main concern of the United States.

Freedom of Religion (Constitutional Location)

Protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.