Civics Exam Chapters 1-2 Study Guide

Practice flashcards covering key terms, concepts, definitions, and processes from Chapters 1 and 2 Civics Exam study guide.

What is civics?

Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens.

Where does the idea of democracy originate?

Ancient Greece and Rome.

What is a direct democracy?

A form of government where citizens participate directly in making decisions.

What is a representative democracy?

A form of government where citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf.

What type of democracy is the United States?

A representative democracy.

What is a government budget?

A plan for collecting and spending money.

What is a constitutional government?

A government whose powers are limited by a constitution.

What is a dictatorship?

A government controlled by one person or a small group.

What is a totalitarian government?

A government that attempts to control nearly every aspect of people's lives.

What is the distinction between migrate, immigrate, and emigrate?

Migrate means to move from one place to another; immigrate means to come into another country to live; emigrate means to leave one's own country to live elsewhere.

What is the common required period of lawful permanent residence before an eligible applicant can become a U.S. citizen through naturalization?

Commonly 5 years.

What rule does the 14th Amendment establish regarding citizenship?

It establishes citizenship protections and provides that people born or naturalized in the United States are citizens.

What is the definition of deportation?

To expel or remove a person from a country.

What is the definition of terrorism?

The use of violence against civilians to achieve a political goal.

From which regions have many immigrants come to the United States over the past 50 years?

Latin America and Asia.

Which group is identified as the fastest-growing ethnic group in America?

Hispanic Americans.

What is patriotism?

Love of one's country.

What are two sources of American unity?

Language and a political heritage based on patriotism.

What are the three levels of government?

Federal, State, and Local.

Which places were targeted or involved in the attacks on September 11, 2001?

The World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in the Washington, D.C. area, and a field in Pennsylvania where a fourth plane crashed.

What is the final step an applicant must complete in the naturalization process before becoming a U.S. citizen?

Taking the Oath of Allegiance.

What are citizens expected to do after gaining citizenship?

Obey laws and participate responsibly in civic life.