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American Government
This chapter covers the principles of American democracy, the structure of the federal government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. About 43% of the civics test comes from these topics, making them the largest single area to master. You will learn what the Constitution does, how the three branches share power, and which rights and duties belong to citizens and to everyone living in the United States.
Principles of American Democracy
American government rests on a written framework and a set of shared ideas. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and every other law must agree with it. Its first three words, 'We the People,' express the idea of self-government, meaning the people are the source of the government's power. Related ideas include the rule of law, under which everyone, including leaders, must obey the law.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
Ratified in 1788, it sets up the government and protects the basic rights of Americans. Any law that conflicts with the Constitution is invalid.
U.S. ConstitutionThe idea of self-government appears in the words 'We the People.'
The Preamble begins with these words to show that authority comes from the people, not from a king or a small ruling class.
U.S. ConstitutionThe rule of law means no one is above the law.
Leaders, government officials, and ordinary people must all follow the same laws, which protects against arbitrary power.
U.S. ConstitutionAn amendment is a change or addition to the Constitution.
The Constitution has been amended 27 times. Amendments must be proposed and ratified through the process in Article V.
U.S. ConstitutionThe Three Branches and Separation of Powers
The Constitution divides the federal government into three branches so that power is shared and no single part becomes too strong. The legislative branch (Congress) makes laws, the executive branch (the President) carries them out, and the judicial branch (the courts) interprets them. A system of checks and balances lets each branch limit the others, such as the President's power to veto and the courts' power to review laws.
The three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial.
Congress makes laws, the President enforces them, and the courts interpret them. Separating these roles guards against concentrated power.
U.S. ConstitutionChecks and balances stop one branch from dominating.
For example, the President can veto a bill, Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote, and the courts can rule a law unconstitutional.
U.S. ConstitutionThe judicial branch reviews and explains laws.
It resolves disputes and can decide whether a law goes against the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the highest court, with nine justices.
U.S. ConstitutionCongress: The Legislative Branch
Congress is the branch that makes federal laws and is made up of two chambers. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, serving six-year terms. The House of Representatives has 435 voting members apportioned by population, serving two-year terms. Senators represent their entire state, while Representatives represent a single congressional district.
Congress has two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Both chambers must pass a bill before it can go to the President. This structure is called a bicameral legislature.
U.S. ConstitutionThere are 100 senators and 435 voting representatives.
Each state has two senators regardless of size, while House seats are divided among the states based on population.
U.S. ConstitutionSenators serve six years and Representatives serve two years.
Senate terms are staggered so about one-third are elected every two years, while all House seats are up for election every two years.
U.S. ConstitutionYour own senators and representative depend on where you live.
Each state elects two senators, and each district elects one representative. You can look up current officeholders at senate.gov and house.gov.
U.S. ConstitutionThe President and the Executive Branch
The President leads the executive branch and serves as head of state, head of government, and Commander in Chief of the military. A President must be at least 35 years old and serves a four-year term, limited to two terms. The President signs bills into law or vetoes them, and is advised by the Cabinet. If the President can no longer serve, the Vice President takes over.
The President is Commander in Chief and signs or vetoes bills.
Signing a bill makes it law; a veto returns it to Congress. The President also leads the armed forces under civilian control.
U.S. ConstitutionA presidential term is four years, with a two-term limit.
Elections are held in November, and the winner is inaugurated the following January. The two-term limit comes from the 22nd Amendment.
22nd AmendmentThe Vice President becomes President if the President cannot serve.
This is the first step in the line of succession, followed by the Speaker of the House. The Cabinet advises the President.
U.S. ConstitutionRights and Responsibilities
Some rights belong to everyone living in the United States, while others are reserved for citizens. Freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition, protected mainly by the First Amendment, apply to all residents. Voting in federal elections and serving on a jury are reserved for citizens. Citizens also share responsibilities such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and, for many, registering with the Selective Service.
First Amendment freedoms belong to everyone in the country.
These include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and the right to petition the government.
First AmendmentVoting in federal elections and jury duty are only for citizens.
Running for federal office is also reserved for citizens. Naturalized citizens gain these rights after taking the Oath of Allegiance.
U.S. ConstitutionSeveral amendments protect and expand the right to vote.
The 15th Amendment bars denying the vote by race, the 19th by sex, the 24th bans poll taxes, and the 26th set the voting age at 18.
26th AmendmentCitizens share responsibilities as well as rights.
These include obeying laws, paying taxes by April 15, and, for most men aged 18 to 25, registering with the Selective Service.
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