Study Guide for Civics Cycle II 1.1 Locke and Montesquieu-Recognize how Enlightenment (use of reason to understand the world) ideas including Montesquieu s view of separation of powers and John Locke s theories related to natural law and how Locke s social contract influenced the founding Fathers. -John Locke s natural law and the social contract-community agrees to obey ruler, ruler agrees to protect the community and individual rights-natural rights-life, liberty, property (guaranteed by natural law) -Montesquieu-separation of powers and checks and balances-according to John Locke, individuals enter into a social contract to form their own society. -Parliament-part of government in England that made the laws -English Bill of Rights-limited the powers of the king and firmly established the supremacy of Parliament. 1.2 Founding Documents-the impact the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, Thomas Paine s Common Sense had on colonists view of government. -The Magna Carta -----Limited monarchy-trial by jury -Mayflower Compact-----Self-government-agreement the Pilgrims signed a set of rules to govern themselves -Thomas Paine s Common Sense-encouraged the colonists to declare their independence during the American Revolution Think about this: It is common sense that killing or stealing is wrong. 1.3 Colonial Concerns-British policies limit colonial rights----colonial demand for political change increases---- British ignore colonial grievances----declaration of Independence is approved 1.4 Declaration of Independence-natural rights, role of the government and complaints set forth in the Declaration of Independence The king took away political rights from the people -People have unalienable rights-life, liberty, pursuit of happiness -Governments are created to protect these rights -Governments that destroy rights can be overturned -List of colonial grievances (complaints) -Colonists therefore declare their independence -Stamp Act-required every official document, newspaper or pamphlet in the colonies to have an expensive government stamp -petitions-formal request,-boycotted-refused to buy,-repeal-cancel/withdraw -Townshend duties-placed a new tax on paper, paint, glass, lead and tea,-quartering-housing troops in private homes, dissolve-to make disappear; end, impel-to force, -self-evident-obvious, endowed-given, Creator-God -unalienable-can t take away (also inalienable), -tyranny-a cruel and oppressive government, -redress-something to correct a problem, -tyrant-a dictator-someone who uses power unjustly 1.5 Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation-Congress had no power to tax-to regulate trade-or to enforce its laws -the national government lacked a national court system (judicial branch) and central leadership (executive branch) -changes to the articles required unanimous consent of 13 states How did the U.S. Constitution solve a problem created by the Articles of Confederation? It enabled the federal government to collect taxes. -Shay s Rebellion-Daniel Shays led a group of angry farmers and debtors who attacked one of the state s courthouses. They demanded freedom for debtors (owing money), cheap paper money, and lower taxes. There was no national army to put down the rebellion if Massachusetts had been unable to stop its spread. -Great Compromise-Each state would have two Senators in the Senate, and a number of representatives proportional to its size (population) in the House of Representative.
1.8 Feds/Anti-Feds-the Anti-Federalists insisted on the inclusion of a bill of rights in the U.S. Constitutionthey believed the Constitution should protect fundamental rights -The Anti-Federalist opposed ratification (passing, accepting). They felt the new federal government proposed by the Constitution, would be too strong and would threaten individual rights and liberties. They also demanded that a bill of rights be included in the Constitution. 1.6 Preamble-What is the goal of the preamble? -goals: form a more perfect union (strong and unified country), establish justice (national court system), ensure domestic tranquility (peace at home), provide for the common defense (strong national government to protect American interests against foreign powers), promote the general welfare (general well-being of all of its citizens), and secure the blessings of liberty (right to liberty and individual rights) to ourselves and our posterity (future). What does, We the People mean? Government depends on the people for its power and exists to serve them 3.3 Structure and function of Three Branches-three branches of government established in Articles I, II, and III with corresponding powers-government power is limited by separation of powers and/or checks and balances Article I-Congress-Legislative Article II-Executive-President-at least 35 years old-serves a 4-year term-appoints judges, serves as the Commander in Chief of our armed forces, appoints ambassadors, negotiates treaties Article III-Judicial-Courts-the Supreme Court decides all disputes between states or concerning foreign ambassadors. 1.7 Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances-legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws) -Each branch was given several specific powers to check or stop the other two. This was meant to prevent any one branch of the federal government from becoming too strong. -Each house of Congress checks the other house; the approval of both houses is needed to pass any new law -To pass a bill into law, Congress requires the signature of the President. The President can check Congress by vetoing it proposed legislation (refusing to sign the bill). -The Supreme Court can check Congress by ruling that a federal law is unconstitutional (violates some aspect of the Constitution) -The President appoints Justices to the Supreme Court, ambassadors and other officials, but these appointments must be approved by a majority of the Senate. -The President negotiates treaties with foreign nations, but these treaties must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate -Only Congress can declare war -Congress can impeach the President 2.4 Bill of Rights-First 10 amendments to the Constitution -The Constitution can be amended (added to or changed)-the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. (Like the skeleton is to our bodies, the constitution is what supports our country)-enumerated Powers are specific, listed powers. -Elastic Clause- necessary and proper clause implied powers that are not directly stated in the Constitution but that are strongly suggested by its other provisions. our liberty, which cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press Why should freedom of the press be maintained? To keep the government from becoming the primary information source of news
2.1 Citizenship Review: Law of Soil-any person born on American soil is automatically an American citizen Law of Blood-A baby born in another country is still an American citizen at birth if both parents are American citizens, or if one parent is an American citizen who has lived at least one year continuously in the U.S. If the father but not the mother is an American citizen and the parents are not married, special rules will apply. 14 th Amendment-naturalization process-at least 18 years old, lawful permanent resident, lived in U.S. for five years, be of good character, working knowledge of English-----must pass a test on American history and government-complete an application form swear an oath of allegiance (loyalty) 2.2 Obligations of Citizenship: -Obey the laws-pay taxes-register with the Selective Service-Serve on juries if summoned Responsibilities of citizenship: -be informed about local, state and national public affairs-vote-run for political office -Serve on local committees-attend public meetings -Petition government -volunteer Jury Duty: Why are citizens obligated to respond to a summons for jury duty? Because it protects the constitutional right to be tried by one s peers 2.10 Impact of the media, individuals, and interest groups on monitoring and influencing government Think about it: Based on the government system in the United States, which individual activity is used to directly influence legislative decision: gathering signatures for a petition Interest Groups A group of individuals with common interests who see to influence public policy. Tends to focus on a specific issue or area. Lobbying-is an activity protected by the right to free speech. Paid lobbyists speak to state legislator, members of Congress, or government officials in order to influence new legislation or regulations. 2.11 Media and political communications-analyze sources of bias Newspapers, magazines, radio, the Internet People get their knowledge of public affairs from the media The media act as Watchdogs exposing corruption, wrongdoing or error Bias-one sided Propaganda-appeals to emotions
Symbolism-represents something 2.12-Scenario of public policy example 2.13 Public Policy Actions taken by governments to solve problem and achieve goals. Multiple perspectives (different points of view) can bring insight into how to solve the problem Steps in the Public Policy Process 1. Identify the problem 2. Conduct research/gather data 3. Identify the appropriate level of government and the best agency to address the problem. 4. Develop various options 5. Evaluate pros and cons 6. Consider multiple perspectives 7. Choose the best policy alternative 8. Implement the plan: present it 9. Evaluate the effectiveness of your decision 1.9 Rule of Law-protects citizens from arbitrary and abusive uses of government power. Impact of the rule of law on governmental officials and institutions (accountability to the law, fair procedures, decisions based on the law, consistent application, enforcement of the law, and transparency of institutions. It serves as a long term protection against tyranny and is a foundation of liberty in the U.S. 2.8 Which issue represents a basic disagreement between Republicans and Democrats? --The responsibilities of government Impact of political parties Democrats: Generally favor government intervention to promote greater social justice and to achieve equality of opportunity. Willing to tolerate increased taxes if they benefit the public good. Support interests of hard-working, middle class Americans. Favor a strong government to prove high quality public education, affordable health care, and a growing economy. Republicans: party of less government interference, more private enterprise, lower taxes, and a strong foreign policy. Strong military. Libertarian-party that wishes to maximize human freedom and to reduce government and taxation Green Party: protects natural environment Socialist Party: favors more public services, public ownership of utilities and some industries Communist Party: believes capitalists exploit workers 2.7/2.9-Scenario on candidate qualifications
Identify constitutional requirements to run for political office. A member of the U.S. House of Representatives 1. 25 years old 2. 7 years as a U.S. citizen 3. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives do not have to live in the district that they represent, but they must live in the state in which their district is located. A member of the U.S. Senate 1. 30 years old 2. 9 years as a U.S. citizen 3. Members of the U.S. Senate must live in the state that they represent. 4. No term limits A member of the U.S. Senate elected to represent an entire state-there are two senators per state President: Natural born citizen, at least 35 years of age, U.S. resident at least 14 years Qualifications: The background, education, employment, and achievements of each candidate Experience Issues-what the candidate believes in (platform) Debates Political Ads