GED Civics and Government Practice
Civics and government is roughly half of the GED Social Studies test. If you study one area on this section, make it this one.
Question 1 of 5
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Which branch of the federal government interprets laws?
Three branches and their checks
The legislative branch makes law, the executive enforces it, and the judicial interprets it and rules on constitutionality. Each branch limits the others: the president can veto legislation, Congress can override with two-thirds of both houses, the Senate confirms judicial appointments, and the courts can strike down laws.
Questions usually describe a scenario and ask which branch acts or which check applies. Practice matching the action to the branch rather than reciting the structure.
Federalism and rights
Federalism divides authority between national and state governments. Some powers are exclusively national, such as coining money and conducting foreign policy. Some belong to the states, such as running elections and issuing licenses. Others, including taxation, are shared.
The Bill of Rights protects speech, religion, assembly, due process, and trial by jury, among others. Later amendments extended voting rights. Expect questions that give you a situation and ask which right is implicated.
Elections and participation
Presidential elections are decided by the Electoral College, where 270 of 538 votes wins. This is why a candidate can win the national popular vote and lose the election, a fact the test asks about directly.
Other recurring topics include the role of political parties, interest groups and lobbying, the difference between primaries and general elections, and the civic responsibilities of citizens such as voting and jury service.
Frequently asked questions
- How much of GED Social Studies is civics?
- About 50 percent, making it the largest content area on the test.
- How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
- A majority of 538, which is 270.