City Life (Citizenship): Laws and Justices

Lesson Goals

The students will be able to discuss and illustrate the structure and function of the Constitution: Articles I, II, and III.

The students will be able to evaluate the three branches of government and the process of making laws.

The students will be able to create laws for their upcoming day to Enterprise City.

Lesson Vocabulary

constitution:

The document that establishes the basic principles and fundamental laws of the United States.

Lesson Vocabulary

democracy: A government system that is

based on majority rule. A type of government that is run by its people.

Lesson Vocabulary

executive branch: A part of the government that

ensures the laws are carried out, the leadership of a government.

Lesson Vocabulary

judicial branch: A part of the government that

reviews the law.

Lesson Vocabulary

laws: A rule of conduct or procedure that is

established by custom, agreement, or authority within a community. The citizens of the community must follow these rules for safety and running of the community.

Lesson Vocabulary

taxes: A contribution that supports a

government, required of persons or businesses within the domain of that government.

The Constitution Video

School House Rocks: The Preamble

The Constitution

Understanding the Constitution Activity

Responsive Reading: Government

Three Branches of U.S. Government

Pg. 35

Three Branches of Government Video

School House Rocks: Three-Ring Government

What Does the Executive Branch Do?

Executive Branch (Mayor)

The executive branch of government enforces the laws of the land 

The President (mayor) is the head of the executive branch, which makes laws official

The President (mayor) approves and carries out laws passed by the legislative branch

Constitutional Hall Informational Video

What Does the Judicial Branch Do?

Judicial Branch (Judge)

A court system with the Supreme Court the highest court of the land

Decisions made by the Supreme Court are usually of national importance

"Equal Justice under Law" is the motto of the Supreme Court 

Judicial Branch (Judge)

When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution

All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court

Constitutional Hall Informational Video

The Supreme Court and the Student Connection Homework Assignment

Choose one of the Supreme Court Cases About Students from the Article

Write a full paragraph (minimum of 5 sentences) based on your opinion about the Supreme Court’s ruling on the case -- Due September

What Does the Legislative Branch Do?

Constitutional Hall Informational Video

Legislative Branch(Enterprise City Citizens)

Two Legislative Houses :

Legislative Branch

A "bill" is introduced when(by)a member of Congress decides to create a new law

Any member of Congress can introduce a bill

Note: Only members of the House may introduce bills that deal with taxes or spending

Legislative Branch

Once a bill is introduced in either house it goes through a process: Each bill is first assigned to a committee for review

The bill is set aside, if the committee decides the bill is not worthy

The bill is sent to the entire house for debate if the committee decides the bill is worthy of further action

Legislative Branch

The entire house discusses, debates, and votes on the bill

If the bill passes, it is sent to the other house

Legislative Branch

The same process is repeated in the other house (repeat note for space 5)

A joint committee works out any differences the two houses of Congress have concerning a bill

When both houses agree on a bill, the Speaker of the House and the Vice President sign it

Legislative Branch

The bill is sent to the President If the President signs the bill, it becomes a law

Legislative Branch

If the President doesn't like it, he can veto it and send it back to Congress

Both houses of Congress then have three choices: They can change the bill so it is more to the President's liking

They can agree that the bill will never be passed and let it go

They can vote to override the President’s veto

I am a bill (process of becoming a law)

Schoolhouse Rocks: I am Just a Bill

Judicial Branch (Judge)

When questions concerning particular laws arise in lower courts, the justices who make up the Supreme Court are responsible for explaining and interpreting the Constitution

All of the other courts in the United States must follow the ruling or the decision made by the justices of the Supreme Court

YOU are now apart of the Legislative Branch

(You will help create the laws for Enterprise City)

Reminder: What is the definition for the term “law” ?

A rule of conduct or procedure that is established by custom, agreement, or authority within a community. The citizens of the community must follow these rules for safety and running of the community.

Creating Laws for Enterprise CityExample of a Law:

School ZoneSpeed Limit 25 MPH7:30 am to 4:30 pmMonday to Friday

Creating Laws for Enterprise City When Writing Laws Remember:

Be reasonable and realistic Make sense Clearly state the behavior wanted in a

positive way (i.e. walking feet to places or walk at all times)

Purpose for Laws: Keep people safe Regulate appropriate behavior

Creating Laws for Enterprise City Standard Laws:

5. Food or drink outside of the Snack Shop eating area is NOT permitted

6. Walking on the grass is NOT permitted 7. Chewing gum is NOT allowed

Write a law that will be introduced by you (the representative), reviewed in a committee, discussed, debated, and voted on September!