Government & Civics
Civics is the study of rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. Understanding how government works and how citizens participate is essential for a functioning democracy.
The US Constitution
The Constitution (ratified 1788) is the supreme law of the United States. It established three key principles:
- Separation of powers — Three branches with distinct functions
- Federalism — Power shared between national and state governments
- Popular sovereignty — Government power comes from the people
The Constitution has 27 amendments. Key ones beyond the Bill of Rights:
| Amendment | What it does |
|---|---|
| 13th (1865) | Abolished slavery |
| 14th (1868) | Equal protection and due process for all citizens |
| 15th (1870) | Voting rights regardless of race |
| 19th (1920) | Voting rights for women |
| 26th (1971) | Voting age lowered to 18 |
Civil Rights Movement
Despite Constitutional rights, many Americans — especially African Americans — faced systemic discrimination through Jim Crow laws. The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s) fought for equality.
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954) — Supreme Court ruled school segregation unconstitutional
- Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–56) — Rosa Parks' arrest sparked a year-long boycott
- March on Washington (1963) — Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech
- Civil Rights Act (1964) — Banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex
- Voting Rights Act (1965) — Protected voting rights for Black Americans
Civic Responsibilities
In a democracy, citizens have both rights and responsibilities:
| Rights | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Freedom of speech | Respect others' rights to speak |
| Right to vote | Be an informed voter |
| Right to a fair trial | Serve on a jury when called |
| Freedom of religion | Respect others' religious freedoms |
| Right to education | Attend school, value learning |
Why Civic Participation Matters
Democracies only function when citizens are engaged — voting, staying informed, participating in community, and holding officials accountable.
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.