American Government, Citizenship, and

Voting

American Government, Citizenship, and

Voting

American Society & CultureAmerican Society & Culture

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Beginning of U.S. Government

Beginning of U.S. Government• United States government system is based on the United States Constitution, written in 1787.

• The Constitution was written to avoid any one person in government from having too much power.

• It separated the government into three branches, each with its own responsibility and power to influence the other two branches.

• United States government system is based on the United States Constitution, written in 1787.

• The Constitution was written to avoid any one person in government from having too much power.

• It separated the government into three branches, each with its own responsibility and power to influence the other two branches.

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The United States Constitution

The United States Constitution

The Constitution is the highest law in the United States. All other laws come from the Constitution. It says how the

government works. It creates the national government system. Each state also has a constitution. The constitutions of the states are their highest law for that state — but the United

States Constitution is higher. (http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html)

The Constitution is the highest law in the United States. All other laws come from the Constitution. It says how the

government works. It creates the national government system. Each state also has a constitution. The constitutions of the states are their highest law for that state — but the United

States Constitution is higher. (http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html)

The men who wrote the Constitution had to get all the states to agree that this was a

good document and that they should vote in favor of it.

This was the first great political question that faced Americans. Nine states of the

thirteen original states had to vote for the Constitution for

it to be accepted. (bensguide.cpo.gov)

Icivics.org

The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights

• The Constitution can be

changed. Among the

amendments (changes) is a

list of the rights of United

States citizens. It is

illegal for the government

to violate those rights.

• The first ten amendments are

special. They are called the

Bill of Rights.

(http://www.usconstitution.n

et/constkids4.html)

• The Constitution can be

changed. Among the

amendments (changes) is a

list of the rights of United

States citizens. It is

illegal for the government

to violate those rights.

• The first ten amendments are

special. They are called the

Bill of Rights.

(http://www.usconstitution.n

et/constkids4.html)

Endtimesrevelations.wordpress.com

The Bill of Rights (cont.)The Bill of Rights (cont.)• Here are some of the most famous rights from the Bill of Rights:

• Freedom of Religion: Congress can't make any law about your religion, or stop you from practicing your religion.

• Freedom of Speech: Congress can’t keep you from saying whatever you want, or publishing whatever you want (like in a newspaper or a book).

• Freedom of the Press: Like in freedom of speech, Congress can’t keep reporters or the press from saying what they want, even negative information about the government.

• Freedom of Assembly and Right to Petition the Govrnment: And Congress can't stop you from meeting peacefully for a demonstration to ask the government to change something.

• Right to Bear Arms (Own and Carry Guns): Congress can't stop people from having and carrying weapons.

• Right to a Speedy Trial: Right to a trial in a quick period of time, right to be informed of the crimes of which you’re being charged, right to a lawyer

• Here are some of the most famous rights from the Bill of Rights:

• Freedom of Religion: Congress can't make any law about your religion, or stop you from practicing your religion.

• Freedom of Speech: Congress can’t keep you from saying whatever you want, or publishing whatever you want (like in a newspaper or a book).

• Freedom of the Press: Like in freedom of speech, Congress can’t keep reporters or the press from saying what they want, even negative information about the government.

• Freedom of Assembly and Right to Petition the Govrnment: And Congress can't stop you from meeting peacefully for a demonstration to ask the government to change something.

• Right to Bear Arms (Own and Carry Guns): Congress can't stop people from having and carrying weapons.

• Right to a Speedy Trial: Right to a trial in a quick period of time, right to be informed of the crimes of which you’re being charged, right to a lawyer

Powers of National vs. State Governments

Here are just a few of the rights that are divided among the national and state governments. Sometimes these governments have separate duties; sometimes they

share duties.

Powers of National vs. State Governments

Here are just a few of the rights that are divided among the national and state governments. Sometimes these governments have separate duties; sometimes they

share duties.

National Government:-can make money.-can declare war.-carries out business with foreign countries.

-oversees trade between foreign countries and between states.

National Government:-can make money.-can declare war.-carries out business with foreign countries.

-oversees trade between foreign countries and between states.

State Government:-vote for changes to the constitution (amendments).

-manage public health and safety.

-manage education.

State Government:-vote for changes to the constitution (amendments).

-manage public health and safety.

-manage education.

Three Branches of National Government

Three Branches of National Government

• Who leads the Executive Branch?

• How long is one Presidential term?

• What are the 2 parts of the Legislative Branch called?

• How many senators does each state have? How many representatives?

• How many judges are part of the United States Supreme court?

• Who chooses the Supreme Court judges?

• Who leads the Executive Branch?

• How long is one Presidential term?

• What are the 2 parts of the Legislative Branch called?

• How many senators does each state have? How many representatives?

• How many judges are part of the United States Supreme court?

• Who chooses the Supreme Court judges?

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Three Branches of National Government

Three Branches of National Government

• Here’s a simple way to remember very basically what the 3 branches do:

• Here’s a simple way to remember very basically what the 3 branches do:

W4.nkcsd.k12.mo.us

The Executive branch (President), Enforces the laws made by Congress.

The Legislative branch (Congress), pass Laws.

The Judicial branch Interprets the laws, Judging whether laws are allowed by the Constitution.

http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Lesson_13_Notes.htm

Making New Laws

Making New Laws

Anyone can suggest a new law. When it is suggested, it is called a “bill.”

To make the bill a new law, both parts of Congress must approve the law, and the president must also approve it.

The branches of government work to decide whether something is a good idea. One branch cannot make a law without input from other branches.

Anyone can suggest a new law. When it is suggested, it is called a “bill.”

To make the bill a new law, both parts of Congress must approve the law, and the president must also approve it.

The branches of government work to decide whether something is a good idea. One branch cannot make a law without input from other branches.

VotingVoting• Every United States citizen has the right to vote for President when he or she turns 18 years old.

• Each state has a number of ‘electoral’ votes depending on the number of people in the state. • Whichever candidate wins in each state receives all of that state’s ‘electoral votes.’• Here’s a chart that shows more information on how one person becomes president. There’s lots of information-- you don’t need to remember it all!

• Every United States citizen has the right to vote for President when he or she turns 18 years old.

• Each state has a number of ‘electoral’ votes depending on the number of people in the state. • Whichever candidate wins in each state receives all of that state’s ‘electoral votes.’• Here’s a chart that shows more information on how one person becomes president. There’s lots of information-- you don’t need to remember it all!

Chrisabraham.com

Democrat vs. Republican

Democrat vs. Republican

• America has two main political parties. They are called Democrats and Republicans.

• These parties are very complicated, and not everyone identifies with one of them.

• Still, to help us become a little familiar with them, let’s do an activity to find out whether you’re more like a Republican or a Democrat.

• America has two main political parties. They are called Democrats and Republicans.

• These parties are very complicated, and not everyone identifies with one of them.

• Still, to help us become a little familiar with them, let’s do an activity to find out whether you’re more like a Republican or a Democrat.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

• Some of you asked about citizenship and green cards.

• There are 3 types of people living in America: American citizens, permanent lawful citizens (green card holders), and illegal immigrants.

• Some of you asked about citizenship and green cards.

• There are 3 types of people living in America: American citizens, permanent lawful citizens (green card holders), and illegal immigrants.

Here is a chart to help you understand the process of citizenship. There’s lots of information just for your information… you do not need to understand or remember everything.

Here is a chart to help you understand the process of citizenship. There’s lots of information just for your information… you do not need to understand or remember everything.

Stagesonthesound.com

For more about the state of illegal immigration and why it’s happening, check out this website.

National SymbolsNational SymbolsLet’s take a quick look at some of America’s national symbols.

Let’s take a quick look at some of America’s national symbols.

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Seal of the President of the United StatesSeal of the President of the United States

• A symbol of the United States President

• Used to mark his communication with Congress

• Contains 50 stars to represent the 50 states.

• A symbol of the United States President

• Used to mark his communication with Congress

• Contains 50 stars to represent the 50 states. Myspeace.com

United States FlagUnited States Flag• The first American flag

was sewn in 1776.

• Today the flag consists of

thirteen red and white

stripes. The stripes

represent the original 13

colonies, the stars

represent the 50 states.

• White signifies purity and

innocence;

• Red, hardiness and valor;

• Blue, vigilance,

perseverance, and justice.

• The first American flag

was sewn in 1776.

• Today the flag consists of

thirteen red and white

stripes. The stripes

represent the original 13

colonies, the stars

represent the 50 states.

• White signifies purity and

innocence;

• Red, hardiness and valor;

• Blue, vigilance,

perseverance, and justice.

Sanramon.ca.gov

Liberty BellLiberty Bell• Was rung in 1776 when America declared its independence.

• Was rung for George Washington’s birthday and cracked hours later.

• Weighs 945.5 kg.• Originally made in England in 1752.

• Symbolizes freedom in America

• “Let Freedom Ring!”

• Was rung in 1776 when America declared its independence.

• Was rung for George Washington’s birthday and cracked hours later.

• Weighs 945.5 kg.• Originally made in England in 1752.

• Symbolizes freedom in America

• “Let Freedom Ring!”Edisoneffect.blogspot.com

National Bird: The Bald Eagle

National Bird: The Bald Eagle

• Chosen in 1782 as a symbol of America because of its long life and strength.

• Represent a spirit of freedom, overcoming difficulties, and development.

• Chosen in 1782 as a symbol of America because of its long life and strength.

• Represent a spirit of freedom, overcoming difficulties, and development.

Thebaldeagle.net

Statue of LibertyStatue of Liberty• A gift from France to America, accepted in 1886.

• Weighs 204505.5 kg.

• Visitors must climb 354 stairs to reach her crown.

• At her feet lay broken chains to symbolize freedom gained from England.

• Her face alone is more than 2 meters tall!

• A gift from France to America, accepted in 1886.

• Weighs 204505.5 kg.

• Visitors must climb 354 stairs to reach her crown.

• At her feet lay broken chains to symbolize freedom gained from England.

• Her face alone is more than 2 meters tall!

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The White HouseThe White House

• There are 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and 6 levels. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 7 staircases, and 3 elevators.

• President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.

• The White House receives approximately 6,000 visitors a day.

• With five full-time chefs (cooks), the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000.

• For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and a bowling lane. (http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/white-house-facts)

• There are 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and 6 levels. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 7 staircases, and 3 elevators.

• President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.

• The White House receives approximately 6,000 visitors a day.

• With five full-time chefs (cooks), the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000.

• For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and a bowling lane. (http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/white-house-facts)

Whitehouse.gov

The White House: A Look Inside

The White House: A Look Inside

Let’s take a look inside the White House.Let’s take a look inside the White House.