✦ An independent civic guideResearch edition

Start here

Start by seeing how it fits together.

You do not need to know the acronyms or have studied political science. Here is a simple path to begin.

  1. See the big picture

    Distinguish federal, state-level, and municipal government. Then meet the three constitutional branches.

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  2. Follow an everyday question

    Health, housing, transportation, or energy: topic hubs connect responsibilities with concrete institutions.

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  3. Open a profile and follow the evidence

    Read what the institution does, where it fits, and where its authority comes from. Check the dates and unresolved questions.

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  4. Connect the pieces

    Use the map to explore components, administrative attachments, and other documented relationships.

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  5. Try what you learned

    Practice with flashcards, trivia, and classification. Progress stays in your browser.

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Arriving with a specific question? Go straight to the directory. There is no required order.