Civics Study Guide

I. Pledge of Allegiance
A. When we say the pledge we are pledging loyalty
to our country.

II. Government by the people

A. Constitution
1. This was written in 1787.
2. This is our plan for government.
3. This names our most important laws.
B. Under the Constitution we are a republic.
1. This means people chose leaders to
represent them in government.
2. Our country is too large for every person
to take part in every decision so we elect
representatives to speak for us in
Congress.
C. Our Country is a democracy.
1. It is run by the people it governs.
2. People get to make choices about their
lives.
a. We chose our leaders by voting.

III. The Branches of the National Government

A. The Executive Branch
1. Headed by the President
2. Make sure the laws passed by the
legislature are carried out.

B. The Legislative Branch

1. Headed by Congress
2. Makes the laws for our country.

C. The Judicial Branch

1, Headed by the Supreme Court.
2. Makes sure the laws follow our
Constitution.
IV. Checks and Balances
A. Our government has a system to keep any one
branch from becoming too powerful.
B. It allows the branches to veto each other and
allows if they don’t agree with their decisions.

V. Rights of citizens.
A. The 1st Ten Amendments of the Constitution
give citizens:
1. The right to freedom of speech.
2. The right to freedom to worship as they
please.
3. The right to own guns.
4. The right to a fair and speedy trial.
5. The right to meet peaceably in groups.

VI. Responsibilities of Citizens.

A. We need to vote.
B. We need to follow the laws.
C. We need to pay our taxes.
D. We need to volunteer.