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