Civics Midterm Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to citizenship, government structure, and foundational American ideas that are important for the Civics midterm exam.

Diversity

The variety of cultures, languages, religions, and traditions present in a society.

Naturalization Process

The process through which a non-citizen becomes a citizen, typically including residency, learning English and U.S. history, passing an exam, and taking an Oath of Allegiance.

Obligations (Duties)

Actions that individuals must do by law, such as obeying laws and paying taxes.

Responsibilities

Actions that individuals should do to be good citizens, such as voting and volunteering.

Patriotism

Love and loyalty to one's country, which can be expressed through actions like voting and peaceful protest.

Census

A systematic count of a population, occurring every ten years, which helps determine representation and government funding.

Public Policy

The government's decisions and actions on issues such as education, safety, and the environment.

Civic Virtue

The concept of putting the needs of the community and the common good above individual interests.

Natural Rights

Rights that belong to individuals simply by being human, including life, liberty, and property.

Magna Carta

A foundational document that limited the power of the king and established the rule of law.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States that created a weak national government, leading to a demand for a stronger Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Supremacy Clause

A clause stating that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual freedoms and limit government power.