U.S. Civics and Government Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering fundamental American government concepts, key officials, and historical documents based on lecture notes.

The Supreme Law of the Land that sets up the government, defines the government, and protects basic rights.

The Constitution

Powers of the U.S. President

Signs bills into law, vetoes bills, serves as Commander in Chief, enforces laws, and appoints federal judges.

Congress

The body that makes federal laws.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

November

The month in which we vote for President.

Speaker of the House

The person who becomes President if the President and Vice President can no longer serve.

Checks and balances

The system that stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Branches of Government

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

First Amendment

Protects freedoms such as speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

California's 14th Congressional District Representative

Currently vacant as of April 14, 2026, after Eric Swalwell resigned.

The President's Cabinet

A group that advises the President, containing positions like Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury.

Amendment

A change or addition to the Constitution.

The Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States.

The Bill of Rights

The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

John G. Roberts Jr.

The current Chief Justice of the United States.

Judicial Branch

The branch that reviews and interprets laws, and decides whether laws follow the Constitution.

Donald Trump

The current U.S. President.

U.S. Presidential Term

The President is elected for 4 years.

Current Number of Amendments

The Constitution has 27 amendments.

Rule of Law

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

U.S. Congress

Consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

"We the People"

The first words of the Constitution that express the idea of self-government.

Freedom of Religion

The right to practice any religion or no religion.

Declaration of Independence

The document that declared independence from Great Britain; written by Thomas Jefferson.

U.S. Economic System

A capitalist economy or market economy.

U.S. Senator

A member of Congress elected for 6 years; there are 100 total (2 per state).

Sacramento

The capital of California.

U.S. Representative

A member of the House of Representatives elected for 2-year terms.

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California.

Republican Party

The political party of the current President.

Executive Branch

The branch of government in which the President is in charge.

Major Political Parties

Democratic and Republican.

U.S. Citizen Responsibility

One specific responsibility is to vote in a federal election or serve on a jury.

Native Americans / American Indians

The people who lived in America before the Europeans arrived.