7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 1 7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Study Guide Student Name: Date: In completing this study guide, you will need to draw on your knowledge from throughout the first nine weeks. You may even have to research topics you are not familiar with or may seem new to you. It is your responsibility to not only complete this study guide, but review it prior to the first nine weeks exam. I. Intro to Civics and Citizenship Vocabulary Review: Define the following terms and concepts. Civics The study of rights and responsibilities of citizens. Fill in the blanks below with definitions of obligations and responsibilities of citizenship. Then, fill in the blanks with the correct obligation or responsibility to match the primary source image. Responsibilities Definition: Things a good citizen should do, but are NOT REQUIRED to do. Obligations (something you HAVE to do or you can be penalized or punished in some way) 1. (Example: voting) 1. Jury Duty 2. Community service 2. Selective Service: (Define it below) Males age 18-25 must register for selective service which means Congress can draft them into the military if they need to in order to defend the nation.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 2 3. Run for political office yourself. 3. Respect and obey local, state, and federal LAWS. 4. Pay sales, income, and other TAXES to different levels of community 4. Staying up to date on current events and attend civic meetings (like school board meetings, city council meetings, etc ) 5. Attend SCHOOL (age varies by state) Rights Immigrant Immigration Refugee Freedoms, legal entitlements provided by government A person who comes to live permanently in another country The action of leaving a country to live in another one (the government has many policies/rules/laws to address this topic) a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 3 Civics and Citizenship Concepts Review What areas have been the Mexico (and other Latin American countries) are the largest source of recent immigration into main sources of the U.S. immigrants in recent China and India are also in the top three countries of recent immigrants. years? What is the difference between a resident alien, an illegal alien, and nonresident alien? A resident alien is an individual who is living legally (and permanently) in the United States (with a Green Card or Visa) and pays income taxes, but can t vote because they are not a citizen. An illegal alien is an individual who came into the country illegally and is subject for deportation. They can t vote and don t pay income tax to the government. A non-resident alien is an individual who lives in the U.S. legally (for work or school), but temporarily, because they have not obtained a Green Card. They can t vote because they are not a citizen. Fill in the Graphic Organizer to the right. When filling in the chart you should be able to: Define the terms: Citizenship, Birthright Citizenship/Natural Born Citizen, Naturalization Process, Law of soil, Law of Blood Being a recognized member of a country with certain legal rights (like voting) and responsibilities (like taxes, selective service, jury duty, etc ) Summarize the requirements necessary to become a citizen and the steps of the Naturalization process. Understand the difference between a Natural Born Citizen and a Naturalized Citizen. The different ways to be a citizen at birth. (Natural born citizen) The legal process for a resident to become a citizen or naturalized. If you are born on American soil/territory, you are a citizen at birth. Sample Test Questions for this unit: Can you answer these sample test questions about this unit correctly? Use information from ecampus/class websites, your online text, or general internet searches if need be. *Which statement BEST describes a citizen? A. legally recognized member of a country B. resident of a country C. resident who contributes to their community D. legal alien Even if you re not born on American soil/territory, if one of your parents is a citizen when you are born, than you are a natural born citizen. Read, write, and speak English, live in the U.S. for 5 years, understand U.S. History/Civics, be of good moral character, be at least 18 years old. *Refer to the scenario below. 1. Meet requirements above 2. Apply with the USCIS 3. Interview with USCIS 4. Pass Citizenship Exam 5. Citizenship Ceremony with loyalty oath "Massimo is an Italian man who just turned 24. Although he lived in Italy for most of his life, he wants to become a full citizen of the United States. He arrived in America three years
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Refer to the scenario below. Oliver was born overseas while his parents were visiting Japan. Both of Oliver's parents were born overseas, but became naturalized American citizens before Oliver was born. ago, obtained his Green Card and is a legal resident of the United States. He currently resides in Central Florida. He has never had any trouble with the legal system in America or in Italy. Massimo speaks English very well and has recently taken a class at Seminole State College based on U.S. History for new citizens." What is the status of Oliver's citizenship? A. Oliver has to get naturalized to become a U.S. citizen because he was not born on U.S. soil. B. Oliver is automatically a U.S. citizen due to the Law of Blood. C. Oliver is automatically a citizen of only Japan because of the Law of Soil. D. Oliver can choose at birth which country he is a citizen of. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Which is considered a civic responsibility, rather than an obligation? A. obeying the law B. attending civic meetings C. paying taxes D. registering for Selective Service ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *A citizen received the notification below in the mail. Which answer choice below BEST describes the citizenship status of the person in this scenario? A. Massimo is not eligible to become a citizen because he doesn t speak English. B. Massimo is not eligible to become a citizen because he isn t old enough. C. Massimo is a natural born citizen of the U.S. D. Massimo will be eligible to become a citizen after living in America for two more years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Refer to the image below. Source: USCIS What obligation does this notification represent? A. registering for Selective Service B. applying for a driver's license C. paying income tax D. appearing for jury duty Which step of the naturalization process BEST matches with the image? A. Oath of Allegiance and Ceremony B. Pledge of Allegiance C. Naturalization test D. Application for the USCIS
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 5 II. Forms and Systems of Government For each scenario below: Figure out which TYPE of government is being described and explain why. 1. There was once a caveman named Og. He was bigger and stronger than the other cavemen and found that he could use his size to intimidate the other cavemen into following his commands. If they didn t, he would use his size and strength to punish them. Totalitarian/Dictatorship. Rule by one, but not a king. 2. As Og got older he realized the errors he had made in his younger years. He married a cavewoman named Purr and together they ruled all the cave people of the region. Eventually they had a son (named Ug) and passed their power to him when they died. Absolute Monarchy. Rule by one, but power is passed within the family line. 3. Ug was young when he inherited his power and very impressionable. The cave-priest insisted that Ug needed to follow the way of the cave-gods because only THEY knew what was best for Ug s people. Ug made the cave-priest his highest advisor and began to follow his advice, which came from the cave-gods. Theocracy. Rule by religion. 4. Little did the cave-people know, there was a meteor headed toward where they lived! It smashed into the ground, killing most of the people including Ug and the cave-priest. The survivors crawled from the ashes with no real leadership or structure of rules. People began to fight amongst each other for supplies. Anarchy chaos reigns and such. History is a bloodbath. 5. Several of the smarter cavemen gain control of the surviving cave-people with their ideas for planting and farming. Over time, they decide they don t want to lose the control they have so they decide to keep all the power for decision making in their small group. They prevent any other cave-people from making decisions for the population. Oligarchy. Rule by the few. 6. The cave-people eventually got tired of the few smart cavemen ruling over every decision and rebelled against them. As time passed the cave-people began creating small cave-towns spread around the region. In order to make rules, they would meet as a cave-town and pass laws. Everyone had a say and any disagreements were settled in the meetings. Direct Democracy. Rule by the people, but all of them have a direct vote on everything. 7. Eventually the cave people decided that the key to survival was working for the good of the whole population. They founded a capital and would send a representative of each cave-town once a month to discuss the needs of their village and make decisions for the entire population of the region. They choose an overall leader to help enforce the decisions made by each cave-towns representative. Representative Democracy. Rule by the people, but they vote for representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 6 Anarchy Absolute Monarchy Rule by religion Representative Democracy Representative Democracy Vocabulary Review: Define the following terms and concepts. Republic Representative Democracy. The USA is a Republic. We vote for representatives to make decisions on our behalf. Constitutional Limited Monarchy. The King, Queen, and royal family are only symbolic figureheads with no power in Monarchy government or very limited power. The government has a constitution with power in another form. In the U.K. (England), there is a Parliament with a Prime Minister that makes laws. They are elected by the people. Communism Communism is a form of government in which the government (in the name of the people) controls the whole economy. Communist countries are usually ruled by a strong Communist dictator and the Communist political party. Socialism A socialist form of government takes an active role in controlling the economy and protecting the people from private businesses that might take advantage of them Totalitarianism Dictatorship-Rule by one. (no king) Ex: Adolf Hitler during Nazi Germany. Parliamentary Unitary Confederal (Confederacy) A system of government where a legislative body is elected by the people. (Parliament) The parliament elects a leader known as a Prime Minister. A system of government where the Federal/National/Central government has all the power and makes all the rules that every lower government has to follow. A system of government where the states/regional governments have most of the power and only a small, weak central/national/federal government exists to unite them. Federal A system of government where the Federal/National/Central government shares power with state and local governments. For each scenario below: Figure out which SYSTEM of government is being described and explain why. 1. A handful of Milwee students leave to start their own society in the middle of the ocean. Each student begins a government on their own island. Each island is very independent with a different type of government. Each island begins to realize that they need to trade with each other and that this would be easier with a common currency. Each island also keeps getting attacked by pirates and would like to join together to make a military alliance to protect each other. What system of government does this most closely match up with and why? Confederacy all the power is given to the independent states (islands) with only a military alliance. (no central government)
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 7 2. In The Hunger Games Trilogy, there are 13 districts with their own local governments. However, each government doesn t have any real power. All of the decisions that affect the country of Panem are made by the Capitol. What system of government does this most closely match up with and why? Unitary- All power is given to the national/federal/central government. (the Capitol) The 13 districts have no power. 3. In the United States, the National government makes laws in Washington D.C. that the whole country has to follow. However, each state in the U.S. makes its own laws as well. Many laws in New York are different than laws in Florida. People in New York have to follow the laws made in Washington D.C. and in New York, but not the laws in Florida. What system of government does this most closely match up with and why? Federal. The central/national/federal government shares power with states and lower governments. 4. In the United Kingdom, citizens don t vote for a President in an Executive Branch. Instead, citizens vote for their representatives in a legislative branch who make laws. The political party that gets the most votes is able to appoint their leader, with the Queen s approval, as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has a similar function to that of the U.S. President. What system of government does this most closely match up with and why? Parliamentary system. Sample Test Questions for this unit: Can you answer these sample test questions about this unit correctly? Use information from ecampus/class websites, your online text, or general internet searches if need be. *Refer to the political cartoon below. *Refer to the image below. Which statement below BEST matches with this political cartoon? A. This country overthrew a dictator and is considering a country where either the people or religion will rule. B. This country overthrew a king and is considering a country where either a small group rules or the people rule. C. This country ended a system where the people rule and is considering a country ruled by a dictator. D. This country is transitioning from a system where the people own all of the country's resources, to a country where a king rules. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *In which system of government are members of the Executive Branch chosen by members of the Legislative Branch? A. Confederal B. Autocratic C. Parliamentary D. Oligarchic Source: Scholastic Library Publishing Which form of government would BEST match with this image? A. Dictatorship/Totalitarianism B. Limited Monarchy C. Absolute Monarchy D. Representative Democracy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Which of the following forms of government is based on the election of representatives? A. Republic B. Dictatorship C. Oligarchy D. Communism -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Use the scenario below to answer the question. *Read the statement below. In a country, a national government makes laws that everyone has to follow. However, smaller governments can make laws for the people in their jurisdiction that are different, as long as they don t violate the national laws. Which system of government is described? A. Parliamentary B. Unitary C. Federal D. Confederal Which system of government does this statement represent? A. Parliamentary B. Unitary C. Federal D. Confederal III. Political Parties and the Electoral Process Vocabulary Review: Define the following terms in relation to the Political Process. Political Party A group of people with common interests who come together to get elected and hold power within the government. Fill in the blanks below: The image to the left represents the DEMOCRATIC party. This party generally has LIBERAL (liberal or conservative?) values which fall on the LEFT side of the political spectrum. Fill in the blanks below: The image to the left represents the REPUBLICAN party. This party generally has CONSERVATIVE (liberal or conservative?) values which fall on the RIGHT side of the political spectrum. For each opinionated statement below, identify which political party s values would match the BEST. 1. Climate change is real. The environment needs to be protected at all costs and put above business interests. DEMOCRAT 2. The government should reduce taxes for the wealthy so they can hire more workers to help the economy. REPUBLICAN 3. The government should increase the minimum wage and offer more funding for impoverished citizens. DEMOCRAT 4. Same sex couples should be able to adopt children because the government should not interfere with the social lives of citizens. DEMOCRAT 5. People should pay for their own retirement. Social Security should be abolished. REPUBLICANS 6. The government should make stricter rules to regulate businesses so that they are fair to consumers. DEMOCRAT 7. Illegal immigrants should be deported and a stronger border security is needed. REPUBLICAN 8. The government should help provide affordable health care for its citizens. DEMOCRAT 9. Gun rights are guaranteed in the 2 nd amendment. The government should not limit the rights of gun owners. REPUBLICAN 10. Women should have the right to decide whether or not they terminate a pregnancy. (Pro-choice) DEMOCRAT 11. The size and role of government should be limited. The government provides too many services and spends too much money. REPUBLICAN
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 9 Two-Party system A two-party system is a party system where two major political parties dominate the government. One of the two parties typically holds a majority in the legislature and is usually referred to as the majority or governing party while the other is the minority or opposition party. (Democrats and Republicans in the U.S.) Republican Party (Briefly summarize this party s beliefs) One of the two major political parties in the U.S. Republicans believe that the role of the federal government should be very limited. (less government services and taxes, more private business influence) One major exception to this is in regards to the use of military force and funding. Democratic Party (Briefly summarize this party s beliefs) Third Party (independent) Libertarian Party (Briefly summarize this party s beliefs) Green Party (Briefly summarize this party s beliefs) Socialist Party (Briefly summarize this party s beliefs) Communist Party (Briefly summarize this party s beliefs) Political Platform Nomination Delegate Caucus Elector Political Campaign Primary Election One of the two major political parties in the U.S. Democrats believe that the role of the federal government should be larger to protect people s liberties and regulate businesses. Any political party in the U.S. that isn t a Democrat or Republican One the major 3 rd parties in American politics. They believe in less government influence in business (like Republicans) and in social equality (like Democrats). One the major 3 rd parties in American politics. They believe in promoting policies that protect the environment and in government transparency. One the major 3 rd parties in American politics. They believe in having the government control all business to ensure fairness. An extreme left party. One the major 3 rd parties in American politics. They believe that all business and goods should be owned in common. An extreme left party. A set of beliefs, values, and goals that a political party stands for. In Civics, being chosen by a political party to represent them in a political election. a person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular an elected representative sent to a conference. (like in the definition below to vote for who will represent a political party in a presidential election) (in some US states) a meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention. One of the people in every state who gets to vote in the electoral college for the presidential election. They are chosen by the political party who won the popular vote, and are supposed to vote for what the popular vote determined in their state. The process of trying to get elected to a political office. (debates, giving speeches, using ads, etc to try and get votes and get in office) Elections that determine who will represent each political party in a presidential election. General Election An election where the winner enters into a political office. The final or main election after the primary election.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 10 1. How Does the Electoral Each state gets electoral votes depending on their population. In order for a presidential candidate to College work? get those votes, they must get a majority of the popular (overall people s) votes in that state. Whoever gets the majority of electoral votes (270 total) wins. 2. What are some weaknesses with the Electoral College? What are the requirements to run for the following offices? (Minimum age, years of citizenship, natural born citizen, etc ) The winner of the popular vote doesn t always win the electoral college, and therefore doesn t become president. This has happened 5 times. Only residents of U.S. states can vote for President, not citizens in territories. Big states give up votes in the electoral college to smaller states. Electors don t always have to vote for what the majority of the state wants for President. These are called faithless electors. 1. President 1. Minimum age 35 2. Natural Born U.S. Citizen 3. 14 years a resident of the U.S. 2. House of Representatives 1. Minimum age 25 2. U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. 3. Resident of the state they want to represent. 3. Senate 1. Minimum age 30 2. U.S. Citizen for at least 9 years. 3. Resident of the state they want to represent. Sample Test Questions for this unit: Can you answer these sample test questions about this unit correctly? Use information from ecampus/class websites, your online text, or general internet searches if need be. *Which statement reflects Republican views on the role of government? A. Republicans favor less government, lower taxes, and greater personal freedom. B. Republicans favor value-based government, affordable health care, and greater personal freedom. C. Republicans favor themselves as the people's party, helping the working classes and against monopoly capitalism. D. Republicans favor more afford able health care, increased public funding for education, and an end to discrimination in all forms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * What is the most important thing that a political debate can teach a voter about a candidate? A. what kind of television personality the candidate has B. whether the candidate is comfortable on camera C. where the candidate stands on certain issues D. how much support the candidate already has ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Which of the following is NOT a constitutional requirement to become a U.S. President? A. minimum age 35 B. Natural Born Citizen C. High School Diploma D. 14 years as a resident of the U.S. *Refer to the political cartoon below. Which political party is being criticized in this cartoon, and how can you tell? A. The Republican Party, because it criticizes the overuse of jobless benefits. B. The Republican Party, because it criticizes tax cuts for the wealthy and lack of spending on social programs. C. The Democratic Party, because it criticizes tax cuts for the wealthy and lack of spending on social programs. D. The Democratic Party, because it criticizes the overuse of jobless benefits.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 11 IV. Media and Propaganda Propaganda is media that uses carefully-crafted messages to manipulate people s actions and beliefs. What is the purpose of propaganda? To influence or persuade you to do something or think a certain way. Who made the piece of propaganda to the right? The US government. What are they trying to get you to do? The US wants you to join the army to help defend the nation in a time of war. What methods are used to try and persuade you? Patriotism (red, white, and blue), the finger pointing at YOU (personal responsibility), etc What did they leave out that might dissuade you from joining the military? (BIAS all propaganda has it) Soldiers can be injured, die, suffer from PTSD, have to be away from their family, face harsh conditions in combat, etc Bandwagon Glittering Generality Name Calling Plain Folks Endorsement/Testimonial Card Stacking Transfer For each piece of propaganda below: Provide an explanation of the propaganda strategy being used and explain its message or purpose. ALL OF THE PROPAGANDA BELOW IS BIASED as it only uses strategies that are one sided and ignores the other sides point of view. Glittering Generality: a vague statement that is positive but doesn t tell us anything specific about the candidate. Bandwagon: Suggesting that most people are voting for this candidate so you should too, or you will waste your vote.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 12 Transfer: If you drink and drive you ll die. An interest group made this advertisement to persuade people NOT to drink and drive. Name Calling: Suggesting the candidate is unstable and that they will let their temper get the best of them as a President. Plain Folks: The candidate wears an informal hat and is shown meeting with the average people to suggest he understands them and will support them. Endorsement: Suggests that all teachers support this candidate. Glittering generality: change sounds positive but is vague what change? Transfer: Suggests that this candidate will be good for our children and the future.
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 13 Bandwagon: Suggests that if this many people have bought an iphone, that you should too. Its popular and successful. Cardstacking: An unfair comparison between the Big Mac and the Whopper. The Whopper is larger but might have less meat, be more expensive, etc Only comparing one thing to benefit you. Name calling: Vitamin Water is being criticized for having too many calories. Cardstacking: Only calorie count is compared to benefit Propel. Plain Folks: The average person is seen benefiting from Propel water. Vocabulary Review: Define the following terms in relation to Media and Propaganda Bias Mass media Interest group prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. any of the means of communication, as television or newspapers or online news, that reach very large numbers of people. A group of people working to promote a common interest by using governmental means to promote their cause. (ACLU strives to make sure Americans don t have their civil rights violated by government. The NRA tries to stop the government from limiting gun rights)
7 th Grade Civics First Quarter Civics Study Guide Page 14 Public Opinion Poll a poll/survey taken by sampling a cross section of the public in an effort to predict election results or to estimate public attitudes on issues. Special interest group Also known as an interest group Public policy Political Action Committee (PAC) Lobbyist Political Watchdog group How do Political Action Committees (PACs) and Lobbyists influence government? an organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation, especially at the federal level. (interest groups use/have their own PACs) Someone trying to influence a legislator (like in Congress) to support their cause. (usually by offering to fund the legislator s campaign for election) Interest Groups use lobbyists. a group that watches the activities of a particular part of government in order to report illegal acts or problems (the media can act as a watchdog ) PACs and lobbyists work with interest groups to financially support legislators who will vote on laws that benefit their cause. Sample Test Questions for this unit: Can you answer these sample test questions about this unit correctly? Use information from ecampus/class websites, your online text, or general internet searches if need be. *What is the MAIN purpose of political action committees (PACs)? A. to support participation in campaigns by the general electorate B. to raise campaign funds to support challenges C. to support policies that improve domestic relations D. to raise campaign funds to support favored candidates ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *The chart below lists different lobbyist and the interest groups they represent. *The diagram below gives details about the American political system. Which of the following actions would John take to help the interest group he represents? A. meet with Senators to discuss a new tax on retirement B. meet with Senators to discuss a bill limiting Union rights to strike C. meet with Senators to discuss an upcoming gun control bill D. meet with Senators to discuss increasing gun control ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Which of the following terms represents information intended to persuade someone's opinion? A. bias B. metaphor C. propaganda D. symbolism Which title completes the diagram? A. Interest Groups' Engagement in the Election Process B. Interest Groups' Decision Making Process C. Interest Groups' Use of Publicity to Win Support D. Interest Groups' Process to Lobby State and Federal Legislators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Which of the following is an example of bias? A. A public university organizes a study of the sources citizens use to get information about candidates for election. B. A national broadcasting company televises a panel discussion with three candidates from the same political party talking about major issues for both parties. C. A political party hires a polling organization to conduct a national poll on voters attitudes on an issue. D. A state wide interest group published a guide to candidates and issues for all parties on the ballot for elections day.