Civics Interactive Review

Political PrinciplesClick on each principle to learn more…

Consent of the governed Limited Governm

ent

DemocracyRule of Law

Representative Government

Don’t click the mouse until you have reviewed all 5

principles

Limited Goverment

The government is not ALL powerful – people give the

power.

The government can’t do everything it wants. Checks & Balances

Democracy

THE PEOPLE RULE!!!

We have choices in our government.

Representative Government

People ELECT OFFICEHOLDERS to make

laws and conduct government on their

behalf.

Consent of the Governed

People are the source of any and

all government power

“We give Consent to be governed”

Rule of Law

The government and those who

govern are bound by the

LAW.

Earlier DocumentsCLICK ON EACH DOCUMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION

• The Charters of the VA Company of London

• The VA Declaration of Rights

• The VA Statute of Religious Freedom

• The Declaration of Independence

• Articles of Confederation

• Constitution Don’t click the mouse until you have reviewed all 6

documents

Purpose of the Charters of the VA Company of London• They authorized the Virginia

Company to start a colony.

• They allowed for a representative government.

• They gave the colonists the same rights as Englishmen.

The Declaration of Rights

• Served as a model for the Bill of Rights

•Freedom of Religion

•Right to a fair trial

•Freedom of the press

What did the Virginia What did the Virginia Statute for Religious Statute for Religious Freedom do?Freedom do?

Separated church and state

Established religious freedom

“Hey I wrote this”

T.J.

The Declaration of Independence

Also written by:Thomas Jefferson

Declaration of Independence

Declared the colonies’ independence from Great Britain

LLP Affirmed “certain unalienable rights” (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)

Established the idea that all people are equal under the law

Stated grievances against the King of Great Britain

Articles of Confederation

Established the FIRST FORM OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT for the independent states

Maintained that major powers resided with individual states

Weak central government (no power to tax and enforce laws)

ConstitutionEstablishes the structure of the United States government

Sets up 3 Branches

•Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected

Due Process (5th & 14th)

Affirms individual worth and dignity of all people

Everyone Counts!

Protects the fundamental freedoms of religion, assembly, press, petition, speech

1st Amendment Freedoms (RAPPS)

Preamble to the ConstitutionWe the People, in order to: (power comes from the people)

Form a unionEstablish justice

Ensure domestic

peaceProvide defense

Amendments• Written changes to the US Constitution

are prepared and approved by the legislative branch.

1

Proposed by Congress or National convention

2 Ratified by the states

27 to date

CitizenshipCitizenship

Means of obtaining citizenshipMeans of obtaining citizenship(2 ways to become a citizen)(2 ways to become a citizen)

Birth NaturalizationBirth Naturalization

The 14th Amendment:The 14th Amendment:

““All persons All persons bornborn or or naturalizednaturalized in the United States, in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the state wherein they reside.the United States and the state wherein they reside.””

Requirements for Requirements for NaturalizationNaturalization• Demonstrate knowledge of American Demonstrate knowledge of American

HISTORYHISTORY

• Demonstrate knowledge of American Demonstrate knowledge of American principles principles (CIVICS)(CIVICS)

• Demonstrate the ability to speak and Demonstrate the ability to speak and write write ENGLISHENGLISH

ImmigrationImmigration

During the 20th century, an increasingly diverse society has been created in America as a result of other cultures.

Fundamental FreedomsFundamental FreedomsClick on each freedom to learn more…Click on each freedom to learn more…

The Constitution of the United States of America establishes The Constitution of the United States of America establishes and protects the citizenand protects the citizen’’s fundamental rights and liberties.s fundamental rights and liberties.

R A P P SDue process protections are guaranteed by the national government (5th amendment) and state governments (14th amendment).

Don’t click the mouse until you have reviewed all 6

freedoms

RELIGIONRELIGION

Government may not establish any official religion nor endorse or unduly interfere with

the free exercise of religion.

YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR RELIGION!

ASSEMBLYASSEMBLY

Individuals may peacefully gather. Individuals may peacefully gather.

Protest/Strike as long as no one gets Protest/Strike as long as no one gets hurt.hurt.

PRESSPRESS

The press has the right to gather and The press has the right to gather and publish information, including that publish information, including that which criticizes the government.which criticizes the government.

TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazines, Internet, Etc. can say TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazines, Internet, Etc. can say what they want as long as itwhat they want as long as it’’s true.s true.

PETITIONPETITION

Individuals have the right to make Individuals have the right to make their views known to public their views known to public officials.officials.

For example – The petition to get BlairFor example – The petition to get Blair’’s bill s bill approved for hearing aids.approved for hearing aids.

Dear Senator…

SPEECHSPEECH

Individuals are free to express their Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs.opinions and beliefs.

Say what you want as long as you donSay what you want as long as you don ’’t violate otherst violate others’’ rights.rights.

Civic DutiesCivic Duties

For government to be effective, citizens For government to be effective, citizens MUSTMUST fulfill civic duties: fulfill civic duties:– Obey lawsObey laws– Pay taxesPay taxes– Serve in the armed forces if calledServe in the armed forces if called– Serve on a jury or as a witness in courtServe on a jury or as a witness in court– Attend schoolAttend school

If you choose not do fulfill your civic duties If you choose not do fulfill your civic duties ““COPS COPS ArrestArrest”” you and you you and you’’ll face legal ll face legal consequences.consequences.

I’ll arrest you if you don’t do

these things!

Civic ResponsibilitiesCivic Responsibilities

A basic responsibility of citizenship is to A basic responsibility of citizenship is to contribute to the common good of contribute to the common good of society. These actions are society. These actions are VOLUNTARYVOLUNTARY!!

• Register and voteRegister and vote

• Influence government by communicating with Influence government by communicating with government officialgovernment official

• Keep informed regarding current issuesKeep informed regarding current issues

• Respect othersRespect others’’ right to their opinions and beliefs right to their opinions and beliefs

• Hold elective officeHold elective office

• Participate in political campaignsParticipate in political campaigns

Community ServiceCommunity Service

A democratic society requires the A democratic society requires the active participation of its citizens. active participation of its citizens. Citizens participate in community Citizens participate in community service in many ways.service in many ways.

– Volunteering (tutoring, nursing home, etc.)Volunteering (tutoring, nursing home, etc.)– Expressing concern about community welfare Expressing concern about community welfare

(attend civic meetings, adopt-a-highway)(attend civic meetings, adopt-a-highway)– Make the community a good place to work and Make the community a good place to work and

live (neighborhood watches, etc.)live (neighborhood watches, etc.)

Personal Traits of Good Personal Traits of Good CitizensCitizens• Trustworthiness and honestyTrustworthiness and honesty

• Courtesy and respect for the rights Courtesy and respect for the rights of othersof others

• Responsibility, accountability, and Responsibility, accountability, and self-relianceself-reliance

• Respect for the lawRespect for the law

• PatriotismPatriotism

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Political ProcessPolitical Process

PHEW that’s a lot of work!

Functions of Political Parties

Recruiting and nominating candidates

(Pick)

(Help) candidate win

(E)ducate the electorate

about the issues

Monitoring actions of officeholders

(Watch)

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Campaign CostsCampaign Costs

Rising campaign costs: Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-

raising activities Limits opportunities for people to run Gives an advantage to wealthy individuals Encourage the development of PACs Increase the influence of special interest groups

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Campaign ContributionsCampaign Contributions

Campaign finance reform laws written to curb the rising campaign costs

Individuals can only give up to $1000 to a political candidate.

Special Interest Groups can only give up to $5000 to a political candidate.

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Voter RegistrationVoter Registration

Requirements to Register to Vote in Virginia:

1. Citizen of the United States

2. Resident of Virginia

3. 18 years of age by day of general election

How to Register to Vote:

1. In person at Registrar’s Office

2. DMV

3. By mail application

*Registration is closed 29 days before elections

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Voter ParticipationVoter Participation

Several factors can predict who will be most likely to vote on election day:

Education

Age

Income

The more of these you have, the more likely you are to vote.

•Voter apathy and failing to register are the main reasons people don’t vote.

•People are more likely to vote in presidential elections than any other election.

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Electoral CollegeElectoral College

Representation in the electoral college is based on each state’s population. The bigger the better.

Electors are chosen by the popular vote and then they choose the president. Whoever wins the state gets all of that state’s electoral votes.

Winner-take-all system leads to the targeting of large states for campaigning because they have the most electoral votes.

Separation of PowersBranch of Government

Local Government

Virginia Government

National Government

Legislative Makes ordinances for community; approves annual budget; limits power to that delegated by the state

Makes laws for Virginia; approves biennial (two-year) budget; exercises power under the 10th amendment

Makes laws for nation; approves annual budget; confirms presidential appointments; raise revenue; regulate interstate trade; declare war

Executive Elected or appointed by the Board of Supervisors or City Council; city or county managers hired by local legislatures

Executes laws of Virginia; prepares biennial budget for General Assembly; appoints cabinet officers and boards; administers state bureaucracy; grants pardons

Executes law of the land; prepares annual budget for congressional action; appoints cabinet officers, ambassadors, and federal judges; administers federal bureaucracy

Judicial Local courts—Hear cases under the authority provided by state legislation

Supreme Court—Has power of judicial review over state laws

Circuit courts—Try civil and criminal cases

Supreme Court—Has power of judicial review

Federal courts—Try cases involving federal law and U.S. Constitutional questions

Checks and Balances A system of checks and balances gives each of the three

branches of government ways to limit the powers of the other branches so that no one branch is too powerful.

Lawmaking Process The Virginia General Assembly and the United

States Congress are bicameral legislatures. The lawmaking process in national and state

legislatures Working in committees (most work done here) Debating on the floor Voting on a bill by both houses Signing the bill into law by the President or governor

Executive and Lawmaking Ways the executive branch influences

policymaking Proposing legislation in an annual speech to the

legislature (State of the Commonwealth or State of the Union Address)

Appealing directly to the people Approving or vetoing legislation Appointing officials who carry out the laws

Roles of the President Chief of State ~ ceremonial representative Chief of Party ~ leader of party in office Chief Executive ~ holds administrative

meetings with his cabinet Chief Citizen ~ regular “Joe” Chief Legislator ~ proposes laws in the

State of the Union Address Chief Diplomat ~ carries out foreign policy Commander in Chief ~ director of the

military

Federalism The Constitution of the United States of America

establishes a federal form of government in which the national government is supreme.

The powers of the national government are either enumerated/expressed or implied

The powers not given to the national government by the Constitution of the United States of America are reserved for the states by the 10th amendment.

The powers of the local governments in Virginia are delegated/derived from the state.

Enumerated/Expressed/Implied Coin money Maintain a military Establish post

office Conduct foreign

affairs

Reserved Set school standards Conduct elections Set marriage,

business, driver’s license standards

Establish local governments

Public health, safety, welfare

Delegated/Derived Public services Public safety Roads Trash service

Legislative Issues at the State Level Education: To promote an informed and engaged

citizenry (i.e., establish minimum standards for local schools)

Public health: To promote and protect the health of its citizens (i.e., fund health benefits)

Environment: To protect natural resources (i.e., improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay)

State budget: To approve a biennial (two year) budget prepared by the governor

Revenue: To levy and collect taxes

LOCAL GOVERNMENTLOCAL GOVERNMENT

There are 3 units of local government:There are 3 units of local government: TownTown CountyCounty CityCity

The type of govThe type of gov’’t is established in a charter.t is established in a charter.

There are elected officials in local government:There are elected officials in local government: MayorMayor CouncilCouncil School BoardSchool Board Sheriff Sheriff

Media and Public Policy

Ways media play an important role in setting the public agenda(“giant” influence)

Focusing public attention on selected issues

Offering a forum in which opposing viewpoints are communicated

Holding government officials accountable to the public

Government officials use the media to communicate with the public.

Individuals and Lawmaking

Ways individuals influence public policy

Participating in politics (voting, campaigning)

Expressing opinions (lobbying, demonstrating, writing letters)

Joining interest groups

Interest Groups and Lawmaking

Ways interest groups influence public policy

Identifying issues

Making political contributions

Lobbying government officials

Impact of International Issues on Local Government

International issues and events that wouldrequire policy decisions by local governmentofficials could include the following:

Public health concerns in the event of a pandemicPublic safety in the event of an act of terrorismEconomic development policies in response to the emerging global economyPolicies to protect the environment (e.g., wildlife protection)

US Courts The United States has a separate court system whose

organization and jurisdiction are derived from the Constitution of the United States of America and federal laws.

United States Court System

U.S. Supreme Court(Justices/no jury)

Jurisdiction: Appellate and Limited Original

U.S. Court of Appeals(Justices/no jury)

Jurisdiction: Appellate

U.S. District Court(Judge with jury)

Jurisdiction: Original

Virginia Courts Virginia, like each of the other forty-nine states, has its own court system whose

organization and jurisdiction are derived from Virginia’s constitution and state laws.

Virginia Court SystemVirginia Supreme Court

(Justices/no jury)Court of final appeal (Appellate jurisdiction)

Limited original jurisdiction

Court of Appeals of Virginia(Judges/no jury)

Appellate jurisdiction from circuit courts

Circuit Court(Judge and jury)

Original jurisdiction for felony and for civil cases Appellate jurisdiction from district courts

General District Court(Judge)

Original jurisdiction of misdemeanorsCivil cases involving lower dollar amounts

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (Judge/no jury)

Juvenile and family cases

Judicial Review The supreme courts of the United States and

Virginia determine the constitutionality of laws and acts of the executive branch of government. This power is called judicial review.

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review.

The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the land.

Criminal Cases In a criminal case, a court determines whether a person

accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony.

1

5

4

3

2Preliminary Hearing

Arrest

Trial

Arraignment

VerdictA guilty verdict may be appealed to the Court of Appeals or directly to the Supreme Court in certain cases.

Criminal Case In a civil case, a court settles a

disagreement between two parties.

1

3

2

Due Process of Law The constitutional protection against unfair

governmental actions and laws Due process protections

5th Amendment—Prohibits the national government from acting in an unfair manner

14th Amendment—Prohibits state and local governments from acting in an unfair manner

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