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Social Studies Civics and Government Flashcards

6 cards from real GED practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Social Studies Civics and Government flashcards as text

  1. What is the significance of the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

    Answer: It declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional

    Brown v. Board of Education (1954) unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson's 'separate but equal' doctrine.

  2. Under the U.S. Constitution, which body has the sole power to try an impeached federal official?

    Answer: The Senate

    The Constitution divides impeachment power: the House has the sole power to impeach (bring charges), while the Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases and convict or acquit.

  3. What is the purpose of the 'checks and balances' system in the U.S. government?

    Answer: To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful

    Checks and balances give each branch of government the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, preventing any single branch from accumulating excessive power — a safeguard against tyranny.

  4. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery?

    Answer: 13th Amendment

    The 13th Amendment (ratified December 6, 1865) abolished slavery and involuntary servitude throughout the United States, except as punishment for crime.

  5. What is the main difference between a democracy and a republic?

    Answer: In a pure democracy, citizens vote directly on laws; in a republic, elected representatives make laws on behalf of citizens

    In a direct democracy, citizens vote directly on all laws and policies. In a republic (representative democracy), citizens elect representatives who make laws on their behalf.

  6. The power to regulate interstate commerce is given to which level of government by the U.S. Constitution?

    Answer: The federal government (Congress)

    The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce (trade between states). This power has been interpreted broadly by the Supreme Court.