Civics and Government

Civics and Government By: Kennedy Schmitt In this unit of Civics and Government we go over some very important material. For example, the constitution and how it has structured the government. The constitution has three branches that made up the government; the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. These branches are kept in order with checks and balances and rule of law. The United States government is made up of many different political parties, but is dominated by two main ones. People are protected from having a too powerful government. People have the right to vote, due process, and equal justice under the law. They also have individual rights from the Bill of Rights. The government uses federalism to make government policies. The federal government is the highest level of power, next is the state government. It is important for the government to have law and public policies. A private property right is an example of public policies. While in a court room people have individual rights and civil rights. There are two different types of cases civil and criminal. We also learn about citizenship. Citizens have equal protection under the law, due process of the law and the Bill of Rights to protect their rights. There are different types of ways you can become a citizen. One is being a natural-born citizen. If you are an immigrant you can become a citizen but threw a series of steps. Some people living in the United States are not legal citizens, they are call illegal immigrants. As a citizen you have certain responsibilities and duties you must do. Over time the government has based acts and laws to make us stronger. Such as the Patriot Act, homeland security, Eminent Domain, and the selective service act. Another important thing we must know is how a bill becomes a law. First it starts out as an idea then it is written as a bill and introduced into one of the houses of congress. Then it is sent to a committee where they debate about it and the bill either dies or is sent to the floor where they debate about it some more. If the bill does not die on the floor it is sent to the other house of congress and assigned to a committee where it either dies or is sent to the floor. If it is passed on the fool and it hasn’t been changed it is sent to the president, but if it has been changed it goes to a conference committee to be compromised and then sent to the president. Where he could either vetoed the bill or passes it and makes it a law. If the president decides to vetoed a bill It goes back to congress where it has to pass a two thirds vote to become a law. The government must enforce equal protection to everyone. When you are arrested you have to be told your Miranda Rights, which informs you about your rights you your rights. Over time the American rights have changed and evolved. They are guaranteed and protected no matter who you are or your race. The Start of the Constitution By Angelo Davis In 1787, 12 states sent delegates to Philadelphia to amend the Articles of Confederation. These delegates agreed that we needed a more powerful central government. They thought that they just needed to change a few things, but they then realized they needed an entirely new document. The new document has 3 branches of the National government; the Legislative branch which is bicameral in which it has 2 houses, one house; the House of Representatives has votes based on population and the other house; the Senate has equal number of votes; and is called Congress. The Executive branch enforces the laws and its head is the President. The last branch is the judicial branch which, when a case comes to the Supreme Court can declare a law or act of the president Unconstitutional, or against the constitution. Each of the branches is kept in check by “checks and balances”, where one branch keeps each other in their proper place. Another thing that limits the government is the rule of law. The rule of law states that no one is exempt from the law, not even the ones governing. The bill of rights protects the people from the government and it gives them the power of “Consent of the Governed” which is when the people give the government the power to rule, and the people can vote them out if they don’t like them. The Bill of Rights is a list of individual rights that protect the people from the government. Some of these amendments protect them from being punished for speaking out, assembling or criticizing the government. Others protect their privacy from illegal searches and seizures, and others protect you from forcing to testify against yourself, double jeopardy, and excessive punishments. As having the power of government we have responsibilities as citizens to support the constitution, participate in the democratic process, such as voting, respect and obey Federal, state, and local laws. We have to respect other’s religion, beliefs, and opinions, pay taxes honestly and on time, serve jury duty when called on, and defend the country should the need occur. Some of these laws were made by the law making process. All laws start out as a bill; either by an individual, a group, or by a member of congress, first it is introduced into either of the houses of congress, then it is sent to a committee to be discussed on and it could die here, then it is sent to the floor where they all debate about it, then it is sent to the other house to be sent to a committee, then sent to the floor, then if it was changed between houses it is sent to a Conference Committee to be changed to a form where they both agree on and it is sent to the president to be either signed to be a law, vetoed where it can be passed by congress with 2/3 vote ,but it is difficult, or nothing where after 10 days it becomes a law unless the term of congress is over. Only the House of Representatives can introduce bills about Revenue, or taxes. While a bill is on the floor a person can take the floor and speak to approve it or to disapprove it. They have a certain amount of time on the floor, except in the case of a Filibuster, when a person talks for hours about anything as long as they can’t leave or stop talking. They usually do this until they get their bill passed. The only way to stop a filibuster is by a Cloture, or when a 3/5 majority vote to end the filibuster. Across: 1. against the constitution 7. When a senator takes the floor and talks forever 8. Branch that makes the laws 10. Another name for taxes 11. Head of the executive branch Down: 2. Name of the legislative branch 3. Branch that interprets the laws 4. A 2-house government 5. House based on equality 6. Branch that enforces the laws 9. When the president votes against a bill How a Bill Becomes a Law 1) 2) 6) 3) 4) 5) 9) 8) 7) Quiz 1. What are the 2 houses of Congress? a) Senate and House of Representatives b) House of Representatives and the president c) Senate and the Supreme Court d) Supreme Court and the president 2. What is the Rule of Law? a) no one has to follow the law c) everyone has to follow the law b) only government officials have to follow the law d) only people that vote have to follow the law 3. What amendment in the bill of rights deals with bail and punishments? a) 12th c) 3rd b) 8th d) 7th 4. Both houses can propose a bill but one cannot propose a bill on certain things? Which house is that? a) Senate; a bill about revenue or taxes c) Senate; a bill about roads b) House of Rep.; a bill about revenue or taxes 5. How do you stop a Filibuster? a) there is no such thing as a filibuster b) calling the police d) House of Rep.; a bill about roads c) you cannot stop one d) a cloture or 3/5 vote Short Essay Question Choose an amendment, describe what it does. List the amendments that relate to it. Why did they make this amendment? Who does this amendment affect? Answer Key Quiz: 1. a) Senate and House of Representatives 2. c) everyone has to follow the law 3. b) 8th 4. a) Senate; a bill about revenue or taxes 5. d) a cloture or 3/5 vote Short essay question: You pick an amendment for example the 4th which states that any private property that is seized illegally cannot be used in court. Theymade this amendment because during the revolution the British can enter you house and seize illegal contraband and put you in prison for it. It affects those who are on trial for illegal goods. Cross Word Puzzle 1. unconstitutional 2. congress 3. judicial 4. bicameral 5. senate 6. executive 7. filibuster 8. legislative 9. veto 10. revenue 11. president Graphic Organizer 1) bill is introduced to congress 2) bill gets 1st reading and is sent to a committee 3) bill gets 2nd reading and is debated in committee 4) bill is sent to floor for 3rd reading. 5) Bill is sent to the other house 6) Bill goes through the same process 7) If the bill gets change in both houses then it goes to a conference committee to be put in a final format 8) Bill is sent to president to be signed or not 9) If bill isn’t signed in 10 days it becomes a law unless a session Protection By: Catherine Neblett There are many different agencies that have their own responsibilities to enforce laws under the government. For example, affirmative action is the effort to provide equal opportunity to women and minority groups. There is also the environmental protection agency that was created in 1970 to take effective government action on behalf of the environment. It monitors environmental quality and seeks to control pollution. National and state agencies help shape government policies by using federalism, a form of government in which power is divided between the federal government and states. The federal government has the highest level of authority over its citizens and has the power to make whatever laws it feels would help the country succeed. In the state and local government each state decides regulations for the people in that state. Local government includes counties, cities and towns. They can not take actions that go against the laws and authority of the national government. The purpose of having laws is for a society to bring order to their lives, provide regulations, help resolve disagreements, protect our rights and support welfare. Public policy is the course of action the government takes in response to an issue or problem. Laws are very important as they define public policy. When the government uses public policy, they are passing laws or developing guidelines to reach community goals. For example, the rule of law, a law that applies to everyone, including those who govern, is part of public policy. Another example of public policy is our private property rights-the freedom to own and use our own property as we choose as long as we do not interfere with the rights of others. There are also many individuals, interest groups and media that try to influence public policy. Interest groups work at influencing the opinion of citizens by trying to persuade people toward their point of view. Individual rights refer to what one is allowed to do and what can be done to an individual. Citizens look to the principle varieties of law for protection of individual rights. The fifth and fourteenth amendments guarantee due process. Due process means following established legal procedures and that the government may not take our lives, liberty, or property. For example, the law requires that accused people have the opportunity for a trial by jury. Citizens often depend on legal systems to manage conflicts, disputes and protection of rights. The greatest contribution is the English system of common law, or law based on court decisions rather than on a legal code. The law came to include basic principles of individual’s rights, such as trial by jury and the concept that people are considered innocent until proven guilty. The difference between civil rights and individual rights is that civil rights affect the rights of a group or class and individual rights apply to the specific individual. Some examples of civil rights are rights based on sex, race, age and religion. Some examples of individual rights include free speech, the right to a fair trial and the right of privacy. In a criminal case, police arrests a suspect, then they take them to a preliminary hearing and a bail is set, next the grand jury hears evidence and charges the suspect with the crime, then they go through the trial and decide if the defendant is found guilty or not. In a civil case, the plaintiff’s- or the person filing the lawsuitattorney files a complaint, then the court sends a summons, a document that announces that the defendant is being sued, to defendant, next the defendant’s attorney files a written answer, then the attorneys for both sides exchange pleadings documents. After this, the attorneys for plaintiff and defendant argue cases in court and then the court gives a verdict in favor of one party. Crossword Puzzle Across 1. The course of action the government takes in response to an issue or problem. 2. Law based on court decisions rather than on legal code. 3. Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern. 6. The person filing the lawsuit. 9. The effort to provide equal opportunity to women and minority groups. 10. Applies to the specific individual. 11. Affects the rights of a group or class. Down 1. The freedom to own and use our own property as we choose as long as we do not interfere with the rights of others. 4. Following established legal procedures. 5. Groups that try to persuade people toward their point of view. 7. A form of government in which power is divided between the federal government and the states. 8. Document that announces that the defendant is being sued. Police arrest Then the suspect 3. a person on appears in court and suspicion of is informed of the having charges against committed a crime. Arraignment Defendant pleads Prosecution and defense not guilty and trial present case to jury and date is set. the jury reaches a decision in favor of one party. Defendant pleads guilty and accepts Defendant found guilty and 7. the punishment. judge sentences defendant. Quiz 1. National and state agencies help shape government policies by using _________. A. Public policy C. Interest groups B. Federalism D. Due process 2. Why do interest groups try to influence people? A. Trying to persuade people to their point of view B. They get free money C. They want people to hate them D. All of the above 3. Which system of common law has had the greatest influence on our legal system? A. French C. English B. Russian D. Argentinean 4. What is the course of action the government takes in response to an issue problem? A. Rule of law C. Due process B. Individual rights D. Public policy 5. What does rule of law mean? A. A law that applies to everyone B. A law that doesn’t apply to everyone C. A law that only applies to women D. None of the above Explain the civil lawsuit process. ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Answer Key Crossword Puzzle Across: 1. Public policy 2. Common law 3. Rule of law 6. Plaintiffs 9. Affirmative action 10. Individual rights 11. civil rights Down: 1. Property rights 4. Due process 5. interest groups 7. Federalism 8. Summons Quiz: 1. B. Federalism 2. A. Trying to persuade people to their point of view 3. C. English 4. D. Public policy 5. A. A law that applies to everyone Graphic Organizer: 3. Grand jury hears evidence and charges the suspect with the crime. 7. Defendant found not guilty and goes free. Short Answer: First the plaintiff files a complaint and in response the defendant files an answer. Then both sides exchange pleadings documents. Next both sides argue the cases in court and finally the court gives a verdict in favor of one side. Citizenship By: Yishui Yun Rights of citizenship There are many ways you could become an American Citizen, but the rights, duties and the protections of the member of a state to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States” is called citizenship. Under the America constitution, the first ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights. The first amendment protected the citizens’ rights included the freedom of the speech, religion and press. Under the 14th amendment it defined a United States citizen as anyone “born or naturalized in the United States” guarantees all citizens “equal protection under the laws.” The state government may not take an individual’s life, liberty, or property without the due process of the law, which means the court can’t put you in jail unless you are charged with a crime and went through a fair trial. The 6th amendment, also guaranteed due process of the law. The 9th, 10th amendment state that the rights and the power that are not listed in the constitution are reserved to the states and the people. Types of the citizenships Natural-born citizens include anyone born in the United States and anyone born outside the United States who has a parent that has lived in the country for a specific time. A natural born could also lose their citizenship because of their certain actions. But only natural born citizens are able to run for the president. Immigrants must follow series steps to become naturalized citizens, including being a permanent resident, able to speak, write and read English, and they must pass a citizenship exam. Illegal immigrants many of whom came from Mexico, and take jobs that most people don’t want and they often receive little money for their services. Structure of the Government The structure of the government is divided into three branches, legislative, executive and judicial. Legislative Branch is the congress that makes the laws, and they could override presidential veto by 2/3rd of the congress. Executive Branch is the president that carries out the law that is made by congress. Judicial Branch is the Supreme Court and other federal court that interprets the law and the judicial branch includes judicial review which the courts can declare laws and acts of the president as unconstitutional. A political party is an organization of individuals with common interest to run for the president and to win the elections. There are two major parties in the United States, the Democratic and the Republican parties, those two major parties are organized at the local, state, and national levels, but these levels don't have the same political beliefs. Each party has a national committee made of representatives from every state, these committee help raise funds for presidential elections and organizes the party’s national convention. The national convention is where party members nominate their candidates for president and vice president of the United States, it’s held every four years. Every citizens in United States are bound by the law includes the one who govern is called the Rule of the law. Consent of Governed is when citizens practice for certain things like voting, this illustrated that all citizens are the source of all government power. Structure of the Government Legislative Branch ? Executive Branch ? Judicial Branch ? Citizenship Across 1. The court can't put you in jail unless you are charged with a crime and went through a fair trail 3. Supreme Court and federal courts interprets the law 4. The first ten amendment of the constitution 8. Every citizens in the United States are bound by the law includes the one who govern 10. Supreme court and other federal court can declare laws and acts of the president unconstitutional 11. Congress that makes the laws, and could override presidential veto Down 2. Organization of individuals with common interest to win the election. 5. Anyone born in the United States 6. Party member nominate their candidates for president and vice president of the United States 7. Protection of the member of a state to all the people 9. President that carries out the law that is made by congress Multiple Choices 1. What amendment guaranteed due process of the law? a. 6th, 5th amendment b. 14th, 6th amendment c. 5th, 14th amendment d. 4th, 5th amendment 2. What must immigrants do to become an American Citizen? Choose the best answer a. Must speak English and have to be in America for a year b. Must pass a citizenship test and doesn’t have to speak English c. Must be in America for years and have to be a permanent resident d. Must speak English and must pass Citizenship exam 3. Supreme Court can declare _______________ unconstitutional a. Acts of the congress b. Laws that made by congress c. Acts of the president d. Acts of the federal courts 4. National Committee helps to __________. a. Representatives from each state b. Raise funds for presidential elections c. Make money for their representative d. Raise funds for primary election 5. What is rule of the law? Choose the best answer. a. No matter who you are you must follow the law b. Everyone must obey the law c. Law must follow by the citizen of U.S. d. Law made by the congress Short Answer Explain how the citizenship explains 3 ways in which the types of the citizenship appear in United States today. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Answer Key Across 1. Due process of the law 3. Judicial Branch 4. Bill of rights 8. Rule of the law 10. Judicial review 11. Legislative Brach Down 2. Political party 5. Natural Born 6. National Convention 7. Citizenship 9. Executive Branch Structure of the Government Legislative Branch  Makes the law  override president Executive Branch  Carries out the law made by congress Multiple Choices Answer Key 1. B 2. D 3. C 4. B 5. A Judicial Branch  Interprets the law  Judicial review Being a Citizen By: Cindy Vasquez In civics we learn the rights and duties of citizens there are 314,934,528 individuals living in the United States and we all live here for one reason. That is liberty but living in the United States isn’t easy if you come from another country. There is a long process to be taken before you can earn those citizen rights. First you must go to the “U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service” otherwise known as the “USCIS” and sign a paper stating that you want to become a US citizen. Then after that comes the real questions. Have you lived in the United States for at least 5 years? Are you at least 18 years of age? Have you lived at least 3 months in the State you wish to become a citizen? If the answers are yes then you are finally eligible to become a US citizen. After this there is another process which involves taking an assortment of different exams and then attend the ceremony and make a promise to be loyal, obey the constitution, obey the laws, and be able to attend to any military duties if need be. Once a citizen you are stating to be loyal to the government and by being loyal they protect you from any harm. There are several ways that fellow Americans influence the government and that is by voting, participating in their local community, and even participating in local political groups. Citizens’ Rights and Obligations Living in the United States is a Privilege given to you and there are certain types of responsibilities you must abide by. For example supporting the constitution, staying informed to any issues that there are in the community, respect and form laws, respect each other, participate in your own community, pay your taxes on time, serve on a jury when you are told to, again defend your country if needed. By following these responsibilities you are given Civil rights which are certain rights such as being able to express yourself, freedom to follow any religion you wish too, right to vote, right to run for office, freedom of “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” As Americans we help out our country in many ways by contributing in partnership to work together to make this place better. With Eminent Domain we allow the state to take any private property that we may own and use that property to build anything for public use such as a road. In return you are paid back with compensation, by us allowing the state to build on our property we are helping the country. Also the selective service act which was passed in 1917 which made men between the age of 21 and 30 register for military service. This act was passed in order to make sure not just certain people were chosen to serve but everyman if need be. It was made fair and this helped America become stronger. The United States also passed in 2001 a Patriot Act which allowed for protection under terrorism attack and enforcing any legal action to be taken if America is in danger. Finally we have homeland security which provides citizens security that they are safe of any type of harm. In all America is a place of dreams, you are able to express yourself in any way you want. It’s ok to be different and live life the way you want. Our bill of rights allows us to do things that other countries can’t. That’s why we have many people come to live here because they want to be different and do things that are unimaginable. Thanks to America we are given citizen rights and we help America grow stronger by working together and helping community work together to progress and we are allowed to vote, receive protection, and feel secure. Our Rights What is the 2nd process down below that needs to be put in order for you to become a U.S Citizen? Present yourself to the USCIS and sign a paper. Across 3. Participate in your... 6. "Life liberty and pursuit of property" without 8. You may be called to serve on this 9. Act passed in 2001 10. You are paid a compensation Down 1. Secures your house 2. First 10 amendments are called 4. We should always pay these on time 5. An act passed in 1917 7. We are...... Of the United States ? Take an assortment of different exams. QUIZ 1. What are the citizen’s rights and duties? a. We must obey the law, respect everything and everyone, and be responsible. b. We must do whatever we want, whenever we want, and however we want. c. We must not care about the law, follow it when we feel like it, and break the law d. We must be careful, listen, and live responsibly. 2. What is the First step to becoming a U.S citizen? a. Answering questions b. Presenting yourself to the USCIS and sign a paper c. Live in the place you want to be a citizen of d. Attending a ceremony 3. What are ways you can participate in the community? a. Littering, not recycling b. Not helping neighbors c. Burning trees d. Planting a tree, helping elderly people 4. Why must you be paid compensation if you are facing an Eminent Domain? a. the state is paying you for being a good citizen b. the state is paying you for allowing them to use your property c. the state is giving you money to buy another house d. The state is paying you for serving on the military. 5. Why should you become a U.S Citizen a. You are guaranteed a happy life b. You will live longer c. You are allowed to vote and are guaranteed jobs d. You will be able to do whatever you want Short Answer Response Being a U.S citizen is something achieved not just given. If you were president of the United States would you give papers to anyone? Or would you give it to certain individuals? Explain to whom you would give it to, and list three reasons why. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Answer Key Quiz 1. What are the citizen’s rights and duties? Answer: A 2. What is the First step to becoming a U.S citizen? Answer: B 3. What are ways you can participate in the community? Answer: D 4. Why must you be paid compensation if you are facing an Eminent Domain? Answer: B 5. Why should you become a U.S Citizen Answer: C Across puzzle Across 3. Community 6. Due process 8. Jury 9. Patriot 10. Eminent domain Down 1. Homeland security 2. Bill of rights 4. Taxes 5. Selective service 7. Citizens Graphic organizer Answer questions regarding how long you have lived in the U.S etc Government By: Sheldon Laney Political Parties There are many different ways political parties influenced the laws we have today. A Political Party is a political organization of people with the same interest that organizes to win elections, and to operate the government. Political parties heavily try to influence public opinion and the media. Public Opinion is attitudes and beliefs that most people share about a specific issue. Public opinion mostly helps form decisions the president comes up with because the president most likely would like to be on the media side. Public opinion influenced by many things but a big one is interest groups. . Since public opinion is to affect public policy it is heavily influenced by many things. Including the media, which is the main communication between people? Many people, to make sense of government rely on the media and people, however not everything is true but you should trust media like cnn because it is the news and it is a kind of reliable source. Interest Groups are people who have the same view about an idea and work at trying to influence public opinion by trying to persuade people. Interest Groups also hire people called lobbyist, lobbyist are representatives of interest groups who talk to government officials and lawmakers directly. Lobbyist main goal is to take the ideas made by the interest groups and persuade the higher officials and lawmakers. Structure The government is grouped into three sections, the executive branch, the judicial branch and the legislative branch formed by the constitution called separation of powers. Each of the sections has a role. The executive branch is there to enforce and implement the laws. The judicial branch is to explain and applies the law. Lastly, the legislative branch is there to create the legislation and make the laws. Noncompliance in civil and criminal cases What makes an issue a civil problem or a criminal problem? Civil law concerns problems between two people or a person and the government. Where as in criminal law, the government charges a person with a crime. For noncompliance with the law, you are forced to pay a fine, which is a sum of money you pay to the court. Nevertheless, who has the power to enforce the laws? Good question, magistrates have the power to enforce the laws as well as the FBI and etc. However, if the people in power mess up who is there to help? Well the department of justice ensures the protection of all Americans as well as the FBI to investigate criminal crime. Complete the Graphic Organizer below. Executive Branch ? Judicial Branch Government Across 6. organizes to influence government but not directly. 7. Hired to talk to higher officials directly to influence them. 8. The authority to make legal judgments and decisions. 9. Investigates criminal crime 10. Ensures the protection of all Americans. 11. The branch that has the power to enforce the laws. Down 1. A civil officer who has the power to enforce the laws. 2. Beliefs shared by most people about a specific issue. 3. Money paid to the court because of a penalty 4. The government charges a person with a crime. 5. Branch that interprets the laws. Legislative Branch Multiple Choice Quizzes: 1. What is the branch that interprets the law? A. Judicial C. Free B. Executive D. Legislative 2. A dispute between people vs. person would be. A. Civil Law C. International Law B. Statutory Law D.Criminal Law 3. A group to influence the media is what? A Suffrage C. Lobbyist. B. Constituents D. Interest Group 4. What is the branch that makes the law? A. Executive C. judicial B. Legislative D. Free 5. The beliefs shared by many people. A. Suffrage B. Public opinion C. Media D. Regulation Answer Key Multiple Choice answers Crossword Puzzle answers 1. Judicial 1. Magistrate 2. Civil Law 2. Public opinion 3. Interest Group 3. Fines 4. Legislative 4. Criminal Law 5. Public Opinion 5. Judicial branch Graphic Organizer 6. Interest Groups 7. Lobbyist Separation of powers 8. Jurisdiction 9. FBI 10. Department of Justice Executive Branch Judicial Branch Legislative Branch