Citizenship Handbook
Understanding our Government
Part 1: Ideas Behind the Constitution
Ancient Rome Republic
Government in which citizens rule themselves through elected representatives
Dictatorship Government in which one person or a small group holds complete
authority Plan of the Framers
They hoped to emulate the Roman Republic People willing to serve in public office The people serving do so for the good of the country
Planned to avoid a dictatorship Roman Republic faltered when citizens began to value comfort and
luxury more than freedom and public service They planned to build a system where informed, independent citizens play
an active role
Part 1: Ideas Behind the Constitution
Two Historic Documents Magna Carta
British Nobles forced King John to sign this in 1215
English Bill of Rights Issued by Queen Mary in 1689
How these documents affected us? They created an English tradition of liberty They provided some principles which we put into our
own government Citizens have rights which government must protect Even the head of government must obey the law Taxes cannot be raised without the consent of the people Elections should be held frequently Right to trial by jury and habeas corpus People have the right to private property
Part 1: Ideas Behind the Constitution
Teachings of the Enlightenment John Locke
People have natural rights – life, liberty, property Government exists to protect those rights If government fails – the people have a right to rebel
Montesquieu Separation of powers
Powers of government should be divided between three branches
Representative Traditions & The Declaration From early on all the colonies had some government
House of burgesses, mayflower compact, written charter that defined powers of their government
Jefferson called on these when writing the declaration He used the ‘violations’ to create a list of grievances
Part 2: Structure of the Constitution
Three Parts Preamble
Outlines 6 basic goals for the new government (see page 254) Defense, Welfare, Tranquility, Justice, Union, Liberty
Articles There are 7 of them The establish the framework for the whole government
1-3 establish the 3 branches 4 deals with relations between states 5 tells how to change the constitution 6 Constitution is top dog! 7 how to ratify
Amendments There are 27 of them – these are official changes to the Constitution
Part 3: Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty The people give the power to the government
Limited Government Government has only the powers that the Constitution gives it
Separation of powers Further limits the government – one branch has its own duties They cant do the job of another branch – nobody can become too
strong Page 256 diagram
Checks and Balances Each branch of government can limit the power of the other 2
Page 257 diagram
Part 3: Principles of the Constitution
Federalism Power is divided between the federal government and the state
governments
Republicanism We elect people to represent us in government
Individual Rights Government protects our individual freedoms
Part 4: The Legislative Branch
The Senate Based on equal representation (2 senators from each state)
They serve 6 year terms
The House Based on proportionate representation (435 total)
Elected for 2 year terms
Power of Congress They make the laws
Introduce a bill which is a proposal The bill is debated on, changed, amended, and voted on When it passes one of the houses – it is sent to the other When it passes both houses – it goes to the president for approval
Congressional Committees Special groups that focus on different issues (education, defense,
transportation etc.)
Part 5: Executive Branch
Powers of the President Make appointments Commander in chief Veto bills Negotiate treaties Propose laws…… Grant pardons Direct government policy
Electing the President It’s a complex system for a simple process
Voters do not actually vote for the ‘president’ They vote for a group of chosen electors who pledge to cast their vote for
that candidate
States get votes according to their population (equal to the number of senators and reps a state has)
Part 6: The Judicial Branch
Courts Lower Courts
District and appeals courts hear cases Jurisdiction
Power to hear and decide a case
Appeal Ask that a decision be reviewed by a higher court
Supreme Court Justices appointed by the president and approved by conress Their job is to review laws and lower court cases
They are the last and highest court in the land
Judicial Review The Supreme Court can declare laws to be unconstitutional
This is their check/balance
Part 7: Amending the Constitution
Article V of the Constitution Allows ways to Amend or ‘change’ Proposing and Amendment
Congress can propose an amendment if: Both the house and the senate vote for a change
All 27 amendments have been done this way
States can propose an amendment 34 states must call for a national convention and formally propose an
amendment
Ratifying To become a change the proposal must be approved by the states Two ways
38 state legislatures pass it (75%) State conventions can pass it (special meetings to discuss an issue)
Only the 21st was passed this way
Part 7: Amending the Constitution
The Bill of Rights Since the Constitution controls how government works people
wanted to make sure that there was a way to protect their rights The bill of rights was added after the constitution was ratified It contains 10 amendments
These protect the rights of individuals and states from government abuses
Part 8: The First Amendment
Freedom of Religion Ability to choose, follow, and create religions
Freedom of Speech You can speak your mind in our country
Freedom of Assembly Peacefully assemble in protest or support of a cause
Freedom of the Press Press has a right and RESPONSIBILITY to report the TRUTH! Know libel, censorship, and dissent
Part 9: State and Local Governments
States resemble the Federal government Divided into three branches (L-E-J)
Governor is the executive
State Services Law enforcement, transportation, parks, schools
Local Governments City Council and Mayor
Most $$$ in a community is spent on education
Local governments interact with us daily Firefighters, police officers, city workers etc.
Part 10: Rights and Responsibilities
Becoming and American Citizen Must fulfill one of the following 3 requirements
Born in the U.S. or have a parent as a U.S. Citizen Naturalized Be 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized
Becoming naturalized Live legally in the U.S. for 5 years Apply for citizenship Take a citizenship examination and go through interviews Take a citizenship oath before a judge
Part 10: Rights and Responsibilities
Rights of Citizens You have all the rights guaranteed in the constitution The right to further protection from established laws
Responsibilities of Citizens You MUST
Obey state, federal, and local laws Pay your fair share of taxes Serve on juries if called Defend the nation if called
You should Vote Stay informed Serve the community Help create a just society
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