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GovernmentGovernment

SSCG2: The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of government expressed in the Declaration of Independence

a.a. Compare and contrast the Declaration of Compare and contrast the Declaration of Independence and the Social Contract TheoryIndependence and the Social Contract Theory

John Locke believed that people were born with certain “natural rights,” which included life, liberty, and property. He also advocated Social Contract Theory, which states that there is an implied contract between government and citizens.

Thomas Jefferson asserted in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal” and that men are born with certain “inalienable rights,” which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Declaration of Independence echoes the theories of John Locke in asserting natural rights, that government obtains its power from the consent of the people, and that citizens have the right to resist and/or replace it with a new system.

SSCG2: The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of government expressed in the Declaration of Independence

b. Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as b. Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a persuasive argumenta persuasive argument

The Declaration of Independence makes these arguments:

1. “All men are created equal”2. Unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of

happiness3. Powers of government from consent of the governed4. Grievances against the king of England, George III5. When revolution should occur

When government becomes “destructive” Government should not be changed for “light or

transient causes” After a long period of “abuses and usurpations”

QuestionWhich document formally proclaimed the

American colonies’ independence from Great Britain?a. The social contract b. The letters of the Enlightenmentc. The Declaration of Independenced. The writings of John Locke

AnswerC. the Declaration of Independence

QuestionRights which human beings are born with and

which no government has a right to take away are called

a. Declaratory rightsb. Natural rightsc. Social rightsd. Alienable rights

AnswerB. Natural rights

SSCG3:The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution

a.a. Explain the main ideas in debate over Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification; include those in The Federalistratification; include those in The Federalist

Federalists favored a strong central government and supported the Constitution.Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government. Believed the

federal government could only do what the Constitution specifically said.

The Federalist Papers- Essays written to persuade ratification of the Constitution by easing fears. Supported by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams.

The Anti-Federalists agreed to ratify the Constitution if a Bill of Rights was added.

SSCG3:The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution

C. C. Explain the fundamental principles upon which of the Explain the fundamental principles upon which of the United States Constitution is based; include the rule of United States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.balances, and federalism.

Rule of law – the U.S. is a society governed by set laws. Everyone must obey the nation’s laws. Popular Sovereignty – the belief that the government is empowered by

the will of its people. Eventually led to demand that all citizens be given the right to vote.

Separation of Powers – power is divided by three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive.

Checks and balances – allows each branch to check the powers of the other two.

Federalism – power is divided between different levels of government. In the U.S. the national and state governments share power.

SSCG4: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government

a.a. Describe the structure and powers of the legislative, Describe the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.executive, and judicial branches.

Executive – President – enforces laws1. 4-year terms, limited to 2 terms2. Elected by Electoral College3. Powers and Duties (Article II, Sections 2& 3)

a. Commander-in-chief of armed forces b. Can make treaties

c. Can appointment Supreme Court justices, Cabinet

4. The Vice-President and Cabinet are part of the executive branch


Legislative - Congress – makes lawsLegislative - Congress – makes lawsBICAMERAL – Two Houses

House of Representatives1. Representation based on population2. At least one per state3. Special power to impeach, initiate tax bills4. Presiding officer – Speaker of the House

Senate1. Representation is equal – 2 per state2. Special power to approve President’s treaties and

appointments (2/3 majority required)3. Serves as jury during impeachment trials4. Presiding officer – Vice-President of the U.S.


Judicial – Supreme Court interprets Judicial – Supreme Court interprets laws laws

1. Highest court in the nation2. Court of final appeal3. Congress establishes inferior courts


b.b. Analyze the relationship between the Analyze the relationship between the three branches in a system of checks and three branches in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.balances and separation of powers.

See next slideSee next slide

Executive BranchThe President

•Enforces the nation’s laws

•Heads the armed forces

•Represents the nation in foreign affairs

Legislative BranchCongress

•Passes taxes

•Makes new laws

Judicial BranchSupreme Court

(and other Federal Courts)

•Decides whether or not laws are constitutional

Can:

Propose legislation

Veto legislation

Call special legislative sessions

Recommend appointments

Negotiate foreign treaties

Can:

Appoint federal judges

Grant pardons and reprieves to federal offenders

Can:

Pass legislation

Override a presidential veto

Confirm executive appointments

Ratify treaties

Appropriate money

Impeach and remove a President

Can:

Declare executives actions and laws unconstitutional

Can:

Declare legislation unconstitutional

Can:

Create lower federal courts and judgeships

Impeach judges

Propose constitutional amendments to override judicial decisions

Approve appointments of federal judges

QuestionThe idea of a legislative branch making the

laws, an executive branch enforcing the laws, and a judicial branch overseeing application of the law is consistent with

a. Separation of powersb. Checks and balancesc. Federalismd. Popular sovereignty

AnswerA. Separation of Powers

QuestionWhich of the following states that governments

re empowered by and exist for the people they governed?

a. Federalismb. Popular sovereigntyc. Anti-federalismd. Checks and balances

AnswerB. Popular sovereignty

SSCG5: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of government described in the United States Constitution.

a.a. Explain the relationship of state Explain the relationship of state government to the national governmentgovernment to the national government.

Under our federal system of government, power is divided between states and the national government.

According to the 10th Amendment, any powers not specifically granted to the national government are reserved for the states.

No state government may pass a law that violates the U.S. Constitution.


b.b. Define the difference between Define the difference between enumerated and implied powers.enumerated and implied powers.

Enumerated Powers are explicitly granted by the Constitution.

Implied Powers are powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.


c. Describe the extent to which power is c. Describe the extent to which power is shared.shared.

The Supremacy Clause states that the Constitution is the “supreme law of the land” and takes precedence over any state or local laws.


d. Identify powers denied to state and d. Identify powers denied to state and national governmentsnational governments.

Any powers expressly denied the national government are also denied to the states and no state government may pass a law that violates the U.S. Constitution.


f. Analyze the supremacy clause found in f. Analyze the supremacy clause found in Article VI and the role of the U.S. Article VI and the role of the U.S. Constitution as the “supreme law of the Constitution as the “supreme law of the land.”land.”

Article 6: Constitution is the supreme law of the nation. - No federal, state, or local law can

conflict with the Constitution.

SSCG6: The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.

a.a. Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis on First Amendment freedoms.on First Amendment freedoms.

The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution.

The 1st Amendment guarantees the following for citizens: Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom to petition the government Freedom to assemble Freedom of religion Separation of church and state


b. Analyze due process law expressed in the b. Analyze due process law expressed in the 55thth and 14 and 14thth Amendments. Amendments.

The 5th Amendment ensures that no person shall be imprisoned or deprived of his or her property without due process.

Due process prevents government abuse and ensures citizens charged with a crime are not denied their rights during judicial hearings.

The 14th Amendment makes it illegal for any state government to pass laws denying liberties

guaranteed under the Bill of Rights.


d. Explain how government seeks to maintain d. Explain how government seeks to maintain the balance between individual liberties and the balance between individual liberties and the public interest.the public interest.

Individual liberties are the personal freedoms every citizens enjoys under the Constitution.

Public interest refers to those things which citizens have a common interest: public safety, national security, a healthy environment, protection from dangerous products in the market place, etc.

At times, protecting public interest can infringe on individual liberties. For instance, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. government passed the PATRIOT Act, which grants government officials greater freedom to monitor phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication. Many appreciate such a law because it protects the public. Others, say such laws go too far because they invade citizens’ privacy and

violate individual liberties.


e. Explain every citizen’s right to be treated e. Explain every citizen’s right to be treated equally under the law.equally under the law.

Today, the Constitution has been amended so that, at least in theory, every U.S. citizen is given equal protection under the law regardless of skin color, gender, age, wealth, etc.

SSCG7: The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting different opinions.

U.S. citizens must fulfill a number of civic responsibilities in order for U.S. society to function.

These civic duties include:Obeying lawsPaying taxesServing jury dutyPerforming public serviceRegistering for the draft (required for 18-year-old males)

Political participationStaying well-informed

SSCG8: The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.

a.a. Describe the organization, role, and Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.constituencies of political parties.

The U.S. Constitution says nothing about political parties

Despite pleas from George Washington, political parties have become an important part of U.S. policies.

Political parties are organizations that promote political beliefs and sponsor candidates.

The U.S. operates on a two-party system These two parties are the Democrats and Republicans


(Political parties continued)Political parties serve the following functions:

They nominate candidates for office Coordinate the actions of government officials Establish party platforms

Each party has it general constituency, which is the people who make up and are represented by the party.

Democrats are identified as more liberal Republicans are generally more conservative


b. Describe the nomination and election b. Describe the nomination and election processprocess

Local , state, and federal officials are voted into office by means of a general election

To decide on a single nominee, primary elections are held to choose between candidates within the same party

In presidential elections, the winner is not directly chosen by the people, but by the Electoral College. In a general election, whichever presidential candidate wins the most

votes in a particular state is awarded ALL of that state’s votes in the Electoral College.

Georgia currently has 15 electoral votes

SSCG9: The student will explain the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with emphasis on terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and representatives of each house.

U.S. CongressHouse of Representatives U.S. Senate

Representation By population of state 2 per state

Length of terms 2 Years 6 Years

Leadership Led by Speaker of the House Led by Vice President and president pro tempore

SSCG10: The student will describe the legislative process including the roles played by committees and leadership.

a.a. Explain the steps in the legislative process.Explain the steps in the legislative process.Introduce in Either House or Senate as a Bill

Referred to Committee

Kills Bill

Debated in floor of House or Senate and voted on

Goes to other legislative body (House or Senate)

Goes to President

Becomes law

2/3 of each body (House and Senate) needed to pass over President’s veto

Yes YesYes

Yes

NO NO NO

NO

Yes

Yes

SSCG10: The student will describe the legislative process including the roles played by committees and leadership.

b. Explain the function of various leadership b. Explain the function of various leadership positions within the legislaturepositions within the legislature.

• The top post in the House of Representatives is the Speaker of the House.

• The Vice President presides over the Senate, but he/she only votes if his/her vote is needed to break a tie.

• When the Vice President is not present, the president pro tempore takes his/her place

The two major parties with the Senate and House of Representatives have leaders.

The majority leader is the elected leader of the majority party

Conversely, the minority leader leads the minority party.

SSCG12: The student will analyze the various roles played by the President of the United States; include Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chief of state, foreign policy leader, and party leader.

Duties and powers of the President:

1.Chief Executive – the nation’s recognized leader and head of the executive branch. Ultimately responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws

2.Commander-in-chief – the top military commander3.Foreign policy leader – plays a major roles in deciding how the

U.S. will deal will foreign countries and international situations. He/she is responsible for negotiating treaties and agreements with other nations. The president is the nation’s chief of state and it foremost representative.

4.Appoints pubic officials – including heads of federal departments and federal judges

5.Party Leader – the president acts as the head of his/her political party.

SSCG14: The student will explain the impeachment process and its usage for elected officials

a.a. Explain the impeachment process as Explain the impeachment process as defined in the U.S. Constitution.defined in the U.S. Constitution.

The president may be impeached (charged with wrongdoing while in office) by the House of Representatives if suspected of treason, bribery, or “other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

If this occurs, the president stands trial in the Senate If two-thirds of the Senate finds him/her guilty, then

he/she is removed from office. Only two presidents have been impeached: Andrew

Johnson and Bill Clinton. Neither was found guilty.

SSCG15: The student will explain the functions of the departments and agencies of the federal bureaucracy.

b. Explain the functions of the Cabinetb. Explain the functions of the CabinetMembers of the President's Cabinet act as his official advisory group and head executive departments. The President appoints members of his cabinet and the Senate must confirm them. Here is a list of the 14 executive departments.

1. Department of Agriculture2. Department of Commerce3. Department of Defense4. Department of Education5. Department of Energy6. Department of Health and Human

Services7. Department of Housing and Urban

Development

8. Department of the Interior9. Department of Justice10. Department of Labor11. Department of State12. Department of Transportation13. Department of the Treasury14. Department of Veterans' Affairs

SSCG16: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the federal judiciary.

a.a. Explain the jurisdiction of the federal Explain the jurisdiction of the federal courts and the state courts.courts and the state courts.

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S Court of Appeals

U.S. District Courts

State Supreme Court

Appellate Courts

Superior Courts

Lower Courts


b. Examine how John Marshall established the Supreme Examine how John Marshall established the Supreme Court as an independent coequal branch of government Court as an independent coequal branch of government through his opinions in Marbury v. Madison.through his opinions in Marbury v. Madison.

Power of Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison)

Article 5: Amending the Constitutioni. Two-thirds of both house of Congress may proposeii. Two-third of states may call for national

convention to propose (never used)iii. Requires three-quarters of states to ratify

(officially approve) before itbecomes a permanent part of the U.S. Constitution


c. Describe how the Supreme Court decides c. Describe how the Supreme Court decides cases.cases.

The Supreme Court Chooses which cases it will head.

If a case is refused, the decision of the lower court will stand.

If the Supreme Court accepts a case:Both sides will present written briefs (legal arguments)Supreme Court Justices will apply the Constitution when

making their decisionAfter heading all arguments, the justices will voteThere are 9 justices, so 5 votes are needed for a majority

SSCG20: The student will describe the tools used to carry out United States foreign policy (diplomacy; economic, military and humanitarian aid; treaties; sanctions and military intervention).

Foreign policy refers to the United States’ relations with other nations and how it handles international situations. The president is predominantly responsible for determining the U.S.’ foreign policy.

Diplomacy is the process of nations coming together to find peaceful solutions.

The U.S. offers economic, humanitarian, and military aid to countries that are less developed or hurting as a result of a national disaster.

Treaties are formal international agreements between nations.Sanctions are restrictions or policies placed on a country that may

be violating international agreements Sanctions placed on North Korea for pursuing the development of nuclear

weaponsMilitary intervention is the most drastic measure for dealing with

international conflicts. The U.S. has been involved in Iraq and now Afghanistan and Pakistan fighting the

war on terror.

Question1. The U.S. Constitution gives state

governments the authority to be involved in al of the following areas except

a. Tax collectionb. Public educationc. Treaty negotiationd. Highway construction

AnswerC. Treaty negotiations

Question2. What is the main purpose of the national

conventions that the Republican and Democratic parties hold every four years?

a. To organize state primariesb. To develop legislative strategiesc. To caucus about foreign-policy issuesd. To nominate presidential candidates

AnswerD. To nominate presidential candidates

Question3. Which government body acts as the jury in

an impeachment trial in the United States?a. The Senateb. The Cabinetc. The Supreme Courtd. The House of Representatives

AnswerA. The Senate

Question4. What is the primary function of leaders

within the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government?

a. To introduce bills proposed by the presidentb. To advance the goals of their political partiesc. To carry out federal laws passed by both

houses of Congressd. To confirm the constitutionality of bills with

the Supreme Court.

AnswerB. To advance the goals of their political

parties

Question5. What is the purpose of the first 10

amendments to the U.S. Constitution?a. To limit the federal government’s powersb. To expand the courts’ authority to review

federal lawsc. To guarantee citizens’ voting rights

regardless of race or genderd. The establish checks and balances between

the executives and legislative branches.

AnswerA. To limit the federal government’s power

Question6. Which idea from Social Contract Theory is expressed within the U.S. Declaration of

Independence?a. Congress must consist of two legislative

housesb. Political term limits are necessary for all

elected officials.c. Government authority comes from the

consent of the governed.d. Individual citizens must be protected by a

federal bill of rights.

AnswerC. Government authority comes from the

consent of the governed.

Question7. How the U.S. chooses to interact with other

nations and handle international situations is known as

a. Diplomacyb. Foreign policyc. Military interventiond. International sanctions

AnswerB. Foreign policy

Question8. A proposal that has been introduced by a

member of Congress to be considered as a potential law is called what?

a. A resolutionb. An act of Congressc. A billd. A veto

AnswerC. A bill

Question9. Congress is composed of

a. The federal judiciaryb. The House of Representatives and the U.S.

Senatec. The executive branchd. The cabinet and the federal bureaucracy

AnswerB. The House of Representatives and the U.S.

Senate.

Question10. The authority of the Supreme Court to

declare acts of Congress unconstitutional was established in which court case?

a. Marbury b. Madison (1803)b. McCullough v. Maryland (1819)c. Korematsu v. United States (1944)d. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

AnswerA. Marbury b. Madison (1803)

Question11. Nicholas Davis is extremely disappointed.

Although the president of the United States nominated him to serve on the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate voted down his nomination. This scenario is an example of which principle at work

a. Separation of powersb. Popular sovereigntyc. The legislative branchd. Checks and balances

AnswerD. Checks and Balances

Questions12. The First Amendment to the United States

Constitution guaranteesa. Freedom of speechb. Due processc. Trial by juryd. The right to bear arms

AnswerA. Freedom of Speech

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