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Civics & Government

Study Guide

Civics and Government makes up about 50% of the GED Social Studies test. You need to understand how the US government works, the Constitution, citizens' rights and responsibilities, and the political process.

1Three Branches of Government

The Constitution divides power among three branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Examples:

•Legislative (Congress = Senate + House): writes and passes laws, declares war, controls budget
•Executive (President): enforces laws, commander-in-chief, can veto laws, appoints judges
•Judicial (Supreme Court + lower courts): interprets laws, can declare laws unconstitutional
•Senate: 100 members (2 per state), 6-year terms
•House: 435 members (based on population), 2-year terms
2Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

Citizens have both rights (protected freedoms) and responsibilities (duties to the community).

Examples:

•Rights: speech, religion, press, assembly, petition (1st Amendment), due process, vote
•Responsibilities: obey laws, pay taxes, serve on juries, register for Selective Service (men 18-25), vote (civic duty, not required)
3Elections and Political Process

US citizens vote for representatives at local, state, and federal levels. The Electoral College elects the President. Political parties organize candidates and platforms.

Examples:

•President: elected every 4 years via Electoral College (270 votes to win)
•Senators: elected every 6 years (staggered)
•Representatives: elected every 2 years
•Primary elections: parties choose their candidate
•General election: voters choose between party candidates
4Federalism

Federalism divides power between the national (federal) government and state governments. Some powers belong only to the federal government, some to states, and some are shared.

Examples:

•Federal powers: declare war, print money, regulate interstate commerce, make treaties
•State powers: run elections, establish schools, regulate intrastate business, issue driver's licenses
•Shared powers: tax, build roads, enforce laws, establish courts
Test-Taking Tips
Know the difference between the Senate (100, 2 per state) and House (435, by population).
Understand federalism — which powers belong to federal vs. state government.
The GED often uses political cartoons and primary source documents — practice analyzing them.
Know how a bill becomes a law: introduced → committee → vote in both houses → president signs or vetoes.