Civics Academy

Understand the issues shaping America.

Learn how government works, why issues matter, and how Americans are voting on them right now.

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Featured guide

5 min read

What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the power American courts use to decide whether a law or government action violates the Constitution.

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Featured civic lesson.

Plain-English guides on the topics driving today’s most active voting conversations.

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How Government Works

What is judicial review?

Judicial review is the power American courts use to decide whether a law or government action violates the Constitution.

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The Supreme Court established judicial review in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Courts can strike down federal AND state laws as unconstitutional.

It is the primary check on Congress and the President when they overreach.

Elections

How the Electoral College works

The Electoral College is how Americans actually choose the President — not directly by popular vote, but through state-by-state electoral votes that total 538.

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Elections

How congressional districts work

Congressional districts determine who represents Americans in the House of Representatives — and the way those districts are drawn can shape political power for years.

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Founding Documents

The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the documents that shaped American government.

How Government Works

Branches, checks, balances, federal vs state authority, and the machinery of policymaking.

Elections

Primaries, voter ID, recounts, redistricting, and the Electoral College.

Parties

How parties form, nominate candidates, and shape coalitions.

Presidential History

Past presidents, defining decisions, and how each shaped the modern executive.

Civic Engagement

Voter registration, lobbying, ballot initiatives, and how citizens participate.