Alabama Civics Test Study Guide Flashcards

A complete set of 50 vocabulary flashcards reviewing political history, democratic principles, government structure, American history, and civic rights and responsibilities based on the study guide.

Reasons for Colonial Revolt against Britain

Colonists were angry about taxation without representation, the British army staying in their houses, and a lack of self-government.

Declaration of Independence

Document adopted on July 4, 1776, which officially announced separation from Great Britain.

Declaration of Independence Rights

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Thomas Jefferson

Considered the author of the Declaration of Independence.

Original 13 States

New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Constitutional Convention

Meeting held in 1787 where the US Constitution was written by the Founding Fathers.

Benjamin Franklin

Author of Poor Richard's Almanac, known for being the oldest member of the Constitutional Convention and an influential U.S. diplomat.

The Federalist Papers

Essays authored by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison to convince the states to ratify the Constitution.

George Washington

The first president of the United States, considered the "Father of our Country."

Two Major Political Parties

The Democratic and Republican parties in the United States.

13 Stripes on the Flag

Represent the 13 original colonies.

50 Stars on the Flag

Represent the 50 states.

The Star-Spangled Banner

The national anthem of the United States.

United States Constitution

The supreme law of the land in the US, which sets up the government, defines the legal system, and protects basic rights of Americans.

First Three Words of the Constitution

"We the People."

Three Branches of Government

Legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

System that keeps each branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Federal Powers

Powers belonging to the federal government under the Constitution, including the power to declare war, print money, create an army, and make treaties.

State Powers

Powers belonging to the states under the Constitution, including providing schooling and education, protection, safety, and giving driver's licenses.

Capitalist Economic System

An economy run by the free market (individuals), not the government.

U.S. Congress

The legislative branch that makes laws, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

House of Representatives

The largest part of Congress with 435 voting members who serve two-year terms, with state representation based on population.

Gary Palmer

The U.S. Representative for Congressional District 6.

U.S. Senate

The smaller house of Congress with 100 voting members where two Senators represent each state for six-year terms.

U.S. Senators from Alabama

Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville.

Executive Branch

Branch of government overseen by the President that enforces laws.

Donald Trump

Current U.S. President (Republican).

Presidential Powers

Appointing all federal judges, signing bills into law, vetoing bills, and serving as Commander in Chief of the military.

President's Cabinet

Advises the President; includes positions such as Secretary of Agriculture, Vice President, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Commerce, Attorney General, and Secretary of Energy.

Presidential Succession

If the President can no longer serve, the vice president becomes president; if both cannot serve, the Speaker of the House becomes president.

J. D. Vance

Current U.S. Vice President (Republican).

Mike Johnson

Current Speaker of the House of Representatives in the U.S. House (Republican).

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States and federal court system, consisting of nine Justices.

John Roberts

Current Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Amendments

Changes or additions to the Constitution; there are 27 amendments total.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual liberties.

First Amendment

Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly.

Second Amendment

Gives citizens the right to bear arms.

Voting Rights Amendments

15th (race), 19th (gender), 24th (financial status), and 26th (age over 18).

Louisiana Purchase

Territory bought by the US from France in 1803.

U.S. Wars of the 1800s

War of 1812, Mexican American War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War.

Susan B. Anthony

Fought for women's rights.

Woodrow Wilson

President during World War I.

Franklin Roosevelt

President during the Great Depression and World War II.

Cold War Driving Cause

Containing communism.

Civil Rights Movement

Movement that fought to end racial discrimination in the U.S.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone—including leaders in the government—must follow the law.

Jury Service

One responsibility that is only for US citizens.

Selective Service

System requiring all men to register at age 18.

Kay Ivey

Current Governor of Alabama.