Alabama Civics Test

Study Guide for Alabama Civics Test

In 2017, the Alabama Legislature enacted a law mandating that public high school seniors pass an American civics test as a prerequisite for graduation.
The test consists of 100 questions about American history and government, similar to those on the U.S. citizenship and naturalization exam.
Format: Multiple choice.
Passing requirement: Answer at least 60 questions correctly.
Retakes: Students may take the test multiple times if necessary.

Taxation without Representation: The colonists' primary grievance against the British.
Declaration of Independence: Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it proclaimed America's independence from Great Britain.
- Date of Adoption: July 4, 1776.
- Significance: Celebrated annually as Independence Day.
Original 13 States: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Inalienable Rights: As stated in the Declaration, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Date: 1787.
Outcome: Creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Notable Figure: Benjamin Franklin was the oldest member present.
Federalist Papers: Authored by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison to support Constitution ratification.
George Washington: First president and known as the "Father of Our Country."

Supreme Law: The Constitution.
- First Three Words: "We The People," representing self-government.
Government Branches:
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
Checks and Balances: Mechanism to prevent any one branch from overpowering the others.
Capitalist Economy: Constitution protects private property as central to U.S. capitalism.
Powers Division:
- Federal Powers: Includes declaring war.
- State Powers: Includes providing schooling and education.
Amendment Process: Constitution allows for adjustments through amendments.
- Total Amendments: 27.
- Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments guaranteeing individual liberties.
- First Amendment: Protects freedom of religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly.
- Freedom of Religion: Right to practice any religion or none at all.
- Voting Rights Amendments: There exist four amendments that broaden voting rights, prohibiting disenfranchisement based on
- Race
- Gender
- Age (18 or older)
- Financial status

U.S. Congress: Comprised of two parts, the Senate and House of Representatives responsible for federal laws creation.
- House of Representatives:
- Size: 435 voting members.
- Membership: Determined by state population.
- Term Length: Two years.
- Local Representative: Terri Sewell.
- Senate:
- Size: 100 voting members.
- Membership: Represents all state citizens.
- Term Length: Six years.
- Alabama's Senators: Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt.

Leadership: The President.
- Current President: Donald Trump (Republican Party).
- Term Length: Four years.
- Powers: Signs bills into law, can veto bills, and serves as Commander in Chief of the military.
- Cabinet: Advises the President; examples include Secretary of State and Attorney General.
- Succession: If the President can no longer serve, the Vice President assumes the role.
- Current Vice President: JD Vance.
- If both the President and Vice President are incapacitated, the Speaker of the House becomes President.
- Current Speaker: Mike Johnson.

Overview: The federal court system.
Highest Court: Supreme Court, tasked with resolving disputes and interpreting Constitution legality.
Composition: Nine Justices.
Current Chief Justice: John G. Roberts, Jr.

Native Americans: Original inhabitants before European arrival.
American Indian Tribes: Example — Choctaw.
Colonial Motivations: Religious freedom and economic opportunity were driving factors for European settlers.
Slavery: Involuntary transport of Africans to America as slaves.

Louisiana Purchase: In 1803, the U.S. acquired territory from France.
Spanish-American War: Significant military conflict occurring in the 1800s.
Civil War: Conflict between the North and South primarily over slavery.
- Key Action: Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which liberated slaves.
Women's Movement: Championing leader was Susan B. Anthony advocating women's rights.

Woodrow Wilson: President during World War I.
Franklin Roosevelt: Served during the Great Depression and World War II.
- World War II Enemies: Fought against Japan, Germany, and Italy.
Military Influence: Dwight D. Eisenhower was a general prior to his presidency, involved in WWII.
Civil Rights Movement: Aimed at abolishing racial discrimination, prominently led by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Vietnam War: Major conflict involving U.S. in the 1900s.
Cold War: Characterized by U.S. anxiety regarding communism.
September 11 Attacks: Terrorist assaults on the U.S. in 2001.

Rule of Law: Obligation for all (including government leaders) to adhere to laws.
Presidential Elections: Conducted every four years in November.
Citizenship Responsibilities:
- Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.
- Only U.S. citizens can run for federal office.
Rights for All Residents:
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of religion
Pledge of Allegiance: A symbol of loyalty to the U.S.
Citizenship Promise: Commitment to defend the Constitution and U.S. laws upon becoming a citizen.
Voting Age: Citizens must be at least 18 years old to vote for President.
Democratic Participation: Methods include voting and expressing opinions to elected officials.
Tax Responsibilities: Federal income tax forms are due by April 15.
Selective Service: All males must register at age 18.
National Holidays: Examples include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Memorial Day.

Capital of Alabama: Montgomery.
Longest Rivers: Missouri and Mississippi rivers are the two longest in the U.S.
Oceans:
- West coast: Pacific Ocean.
- East coast: Atlantic Ocean.
U.S. Territory: Example — Puerto Rico.
Bordering States:
- Canada: Vermont.
- Mexico: New Mexico.
Capital of the United States: Washington, D.C.
Statue of Liberty: Located in New York Harbor.