1. Part I Comparative Government

2. An Oligarchy is a form of government in which power effectively rests with a small elite segment of society distinguished by royal, wealth, intellectual, family, military or religious dominance. Such states are often controlled by politically powerful families whose children are heavily conditioned and mentored to be heirs of the power of the oligarchy. Some people say we live in one of these now. Why?

3. Theocracy (“theo” = God/religion “cracy” = government) In an theocracy, religion is used as the form of government. Typically, this means that the government and the “church” are the same thing. Examples include early Puritan colonies and current Islamic states.

4. Representative democracy is a form of government founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the people. Representatives are put in charge of acting in the people’s best interests. They are able to choose what they think is best. U.S. is a Representative Democracy (Presidential System)

5. People collectively make decisions for themselves, rather than having their political affairs decided by representatives. Referred to as Pure Democracy Ancient Greece (Athens 500 B.C.)

6. A dictatorship is defined as an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by an individual, the dictator. The dictator may also take away much of its peoples’ freedom. An Example is Nazi Germany under Hitler.

7. This is technically not a form of government because it means the absence of a government institution. No society has been successful operating under and Anarchy.

8. Absolute monarchy is a form of government where the king or queen has absolute power over all aspects of his/her subjects' lives. In an absolute monarchy there is no constitution or legal restriction on the monarch's power. As a theory of civics, absolute monarchy puts total trust in well-bred and well-trained monarchs raised for the role from birth.

9. Totalitarian rule is a political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life. Totalitarianism is generally characterized where ordinary citizens have no significant share in state decision-making. The Soviet Union under Lenin is a good example.

10. Most constitutional monarchies employ a parliamentary system in which the monarch is the ceremonial head of state and a directly- or indirectly-elected prime minister is the head of government and exercises effective political power. An example is Great Britain.

11. Part II History and Basics of the Constitution

12. Separation of Powers The Constitution assigns certain powers to each of the three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial). Another way of looking at it is that each branch has its own job description.

13. Popular Sovereignty The word “popular” refers to “population” or the people. This means the government receives its power from the people. As it says in the preamble to the Constitution: “We the people…”

14. Federalism A system of government in which power is divided between a central government (federal) and smaller governments (states). It’s intended to make sure that the central government is powerful enough to be effective, yet not so powerful as to threaten states or individuals.

15. Rule of Law The law applies to everyone, even those who govern. No one may break the law or escape its reach.

16. Checks and Balances Each of the three branches has the ability to restrain the other two. This keeps any branch from becoming to powerful.

17. The Articles of Confederation This was the first set of laws that the new country was based on. –It established a limited national government and gave more power to individual states. –The national government only had one branch: The Legislative. They had to make the laws and enforce them. There was no judicial branch, each state had their own court system.

18. Problems with the Articles of Confederation Congress could not tax the states or carry out laws, they could only petition or “ask” Changes in the Articles could only be made if all 13 states agreed! This made it difficult for the national government to get things done.

19. The Connecticut Compromise This settled the argument over representation in the Legislative Branch over representation. To make the larger states happy they made one house (the House of Representatives) based on population. To keep the smaller states happy they made another house (The Senate) where each state automatically gets 2 delagates.

20. 3/5 th Compromise This was about representation in the House of Representatives because it was based on Population. The southern states wanted to count their slaves towards the population. This would mean they would get more representatives in Congress. Finally, they decided that they would count 3 of every 5 slaves. This means out of 100 slaves, 60 would count.

21. The Virginia Plan This addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating the 3 branches of government that we have today. The Legislative Branch would have new powers, including the power to tax the states. The Executive Branch would enforce the laws the legislative branch made. The Judicial Branch would make sure laws and acts were fair.

22. The 3 Branches The Legislative Branch makes the laws, taxes, declares war, etc. and answers to the public during election time. The Executive Branch: Basically, the President is in charge of executing, or following through with, the laws Congress makes. The Judicial Branch: Basically, this branch decides whether actions or laws are fair according to the Constitution. Its Judges are chosen by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

23. The Bill of Rights Remember the argument between the Federalists and anti-federalists? Well, the Bill of Rights is a product of that. The Anti-Federalists got everyone to agree to come back later and make some amendments to the Constitution that protected American citizens from the Government.

24. Bill of Rights is Ratified On December 15, 1791 the Bill of Rights became part of the Constitution. Since the Bill of Rights the Constitution has only been amended 17 times. The Constitution has remained one of the longest lasting in the World and it has provided for the changes that the future would need.

25. Part III The Bill of Rights and Other Amendments

26. The government of the United States, which began more than two hundred years ago, affords the people of our country such protection largely through the Bill of Rights as the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution are collectively and commonly known.

27. What rights are Guaranteed? The first 8 amendments contain the fundamental rights and freedoms of every citizen. The 9th Amendment forbids the government to limit freedoms and rights that are not listed in the Constitution. The 10th Amendment limits the powers of the federal government to those that are granted to it in the Constitution.

28. Terms to Know Slander – Spoken untruths that are harmful to someone’s reputation Slander – Spoken untruths that are harmful to someone’s reputation Libel - Written untruths that are harmful to someone’s reputation Libel - Written untruths that are harmful to someone’s reputation Indictment – A formal charge by a Grand Jury Indictment – A formal charge by a Grand Jury Bail – A sum of money used as a security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns for his or her trial Bail – A sum of money used as a security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns for his or her trial Suffrage – The right to vote Suffrage – The right to vote Due Process – Following established legal procedures Due Process – Following established legal procedures

29. First Amendment Freedom of Religion Freedom of Religion Government may not may not require citizens to accept any specific religion, engage in any religious activity, or satisfy any religious qualification for public office. Government may not may not require citizens to accept any specific religion, engage in any religious activity, or satisfy any religious qualification for public office. Free exercise of religion gives people the right to hold any religious beliefs they’d like to, no matter how unusual it might be. Free exercise of religion gives people the right to hold any religious beliefs they’d like to, no matter how unusual it might be.

30. First Amendment Cont’d Freedom of Speech: Most speech is protected, speech that calls for violence against the government is an example of one type that is not allowed. Freedom of Speech: Most speech is protected, speech that calls for violence against the government is an example of one type that is not allowed. Freedom of the Press: The right of the press to publish without fear of government censorship. Freedom of the Press: The right of the press to publish without fear of government censorship. Why is this so important? Why is this so important?

31. First Amendment Cont’ Freedom of Assembly: As long as it is peaceful, people can join together to protest anything they’d like. Freedom of Assembly: As long as it is peaceful, people can join together to protest anything they’d like. This is another thing that separates us from some other countries. Who can tell me about Burma? This is another thing that separates us from some other countries. Who can tell me about Burma?

32. First Amendment Cont’d Right to Petition: This not only involves the collection of signatures but it also includes picketing outside of a government building. Right to Petition: This not only involves the collection of signatures but it also includes picketing outside of a government building. Picketing combines the right to assemble with the right to petition the government. Picketing combines the right to assemble with the right to petition the government.

33. Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms: This was a necessity when the Constitution was written. Why? Right to Bear Arms: This was a necessity when the Constitution was written. Why? Does this necessity still exist? Does this necessity still exist?

34. Third Amendment: Freedom from Quartering of Troops: In colonial times, private citizens were often forced to take British soldiers into their homes. Freedom from Quartering of Troops: In colonial times, private citizens were often forced to take British soldiers into their homes. Today, members of the armed forces live on military bases or in their own homes. Today, members of the armed forces live on military bases or in their own homes.

35. Fourth Amendment Freedom From Unreasonable Search and Seizure: Everyone’s person, home, papers, and possessions should be secure. Freedom From Unreasonable Search and Seizure: Everyone’s person, home, papers, and possessions should be secure. When sufficient evidence is there the cops can search people. What do they usually need? All of the time? When sufficient evidence is there the cops can search people. What do they usually need? All of the time? Do you have this right in school? Do you have this right in school?

36. Fifth Amendment: Freedom to Own Property: This is the cornerstone of the capital system. Freedom to Own Property: This is the cornerstone of the capital system. Like other freedoms, this one is not absolute. For example: Private home owners can not use their home for illegal purposes. Like other freedoms, this one is not absolute. For example: Private home owners can not use their home for illegal purposes. Property can be taken away with Eminent Domain, private property can be taken when it’s for the greater public good. Like a highway for example. Property can be taken away with Eminent Domain, private property can be taken when it’s for the greater public good. Like a highway for example. The fifth Amendment guarantees that private property owners will receive “just compensation” for giving up their land. The fifth Amendment guarantees that private property owners will receive “just compensation” for giving up their land.

37. Fifth Amendment Cont’d Freedom from Prosecution Without Indictment: The police have the right to arrest someone who is suspected of committing a crime. Freedom from Prosecution Without Indictment: The police have the right to arrest someone who is suspected of committing a crime. They cannot be brought to trial, however unless they are indicted by the Grand Jury. They cannot be brought to trial, however unless they are indicted by the Grand Jury.

38. Fifth Amendment Cont’d Freedom From Double Jeopardy: If a person is found not guilty by a judge or jury, they may not be tried again for the same crime. Freedom From Double Jeopardy: If a person is found not guilty by a judge or jury, they may not be tried again for the same crime. Guarantee of Presumed Innocence: The courts must presume that everyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Guarantee of Presumed Innocence: The courts must presume that everyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty.

39. Fifth Amendment Cont’d Freedom From Self-Incrimination: People accused of a crime cannot be forced to testify against themselves. Freedom From Self-Incrimination: People accused of a crime cannot be forced to testify against themselves. Guarantee of Due Process: No person should be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Guarantee of Due Process: No person should be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

40. Sixth and Seventh Amendment Guarantee of Jury by Trial: Guilt or innocence in a criminal case must be decided by the 12 men and women of the trial jury. Guarantee of Jury by Trial: Guilt or innocence in a criminal case must be decided by the 12 men and women of the trial jury. The right to a “speedy” and public trial. The right to a “speedy” and public trial.

41. The Sixth Amendment Cont’d Right to be Informed of Charges: A defendant in a civil or criminal trial must be told the nature of the charges. Right to be Informed of Charges: A defendant in a civil or criminal trial must be told the nature of the charges. Right to Confront Witnesses: All accusers and witnesses must face the defendant in open court. Right to Confront Witnesses: All accusers and witnesses must face the defendant in open court. Right to Secure Witnesses: Defendants have the right to secure witnesses to testify on their behalf. Right to Secure Witnesses: Defendants have the right to secure witnesses to testify on their behalf. Right to Counsel: If the defendant cannot afford to pay an attorney’s fees, the court will appoint a public defender. Right to Counsel: If the defendant cannot afford to pay an attorney’s fees, the court will appoint a public defender.

42. Eighth Amendment: Guarantee of Reasonable Bail: Without the right to post bail, the accused might spend months in jail waiting for the trial to begin. Guarantee of Reasonable Bail: Without the right to post bail, the accused might spend months in jail waiting for the trial to begin. Freedom from Cruel and Unusual Punishment: In the 1700s convicted criminals were often beaten and tortured. This amendment stopped all of this. Freedom from Cruel and Unusual Punishment: In the 1700s convicted criminals were often beaten and tortured. This amendment stopped all of this.

43. Ninth and Tenth Amendment Limits on the Power of the Federal Government: The ninth amendment reminds federal officials that even though the Constitution does not spell out a particular right, that right still exists and must be protected. Can you think of one? Limits on the Power of the Federal Government: The ninth amendment reminds federal officials that even though the Constitution does not spell out a particular right, that right still exists and must be protected. Can you think of one? The tenth amendment states that all powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or to the people. The tenth amendment states that all powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or to the people.

44. Other Amendments Amendment 13 – Abolition of Slavery Amendment 13 – Abolition of Slavery Amendment 14 – Civil Rights Guaranteed Amendment 14 – Civil Rights Guaranteed Amendment 15 – Federal nor State Governments can prevent a citizen from voting for race related reasons Amendment 15 – Federal nor State Governments can prevent a citizen from voting for race related reasons Amendment 19 – Women’s Right to Vote Amendment 19 – Women’s Right to Vote Amendment 24 – The government can’t prevent you from voting if you don’t pay your taxes, and they can’t charge you a tax to vote Amendment 24 – The government can’t prevent you from voting if you don’t pay your taxes, and they can’t charge you a tax to vote

45. Part IV Judicial Branch

46. Original Jurisdiction The Supreme Court actually only has original jurisdiction in 2 types of cases. – Trial cases that involve diplomats from foreign countries. – Cases in which states are involved.

47. Powers of the Court The legislative and executive branches of the government must follow the rulings of the Supreme Court because of the power of Judicial Review. The court is not political because they are in office until they retire, or die.

48. Selection of Justices The President appoints Supreme Court Justices, with the approval of the Senate. The President must choose wisely because they want someone who the Senate will approve of. Throughout history, the Senate has rejected many presidential nominees to the Supreme Court for various reasons.

49. Opinion Writing Once the Court has reached a decision on the case, one justice gets the job of writing the majority opinion. – The opinion states the facts of the case, announces ruling, and explains the Court’s reasoning.

50. Written Opinions are… VERY IMPORTANT!!! They set precedent for lower courts to follow in future cases, and they also communicate their view to Congress, the President, and the public.

51. Other Types of Opinions Unanimous Opinion: Dissenting Opinion: A justice who disagrees writes this. A Concurring Opinion: This is when a judge who agrees with the majority, but for different reasons shares his/her views.

52. Terms to Know Jurisdiction – A court’s authority to hear and decide cases Precedent – A ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case Brief – A written document explaining the position of one side or the other in a case Judicial Review – The power of the supreme court to say whether any federal, state, or local law or government action goes against the Constitution

53. Powers of the Court The legislative and executive branches of the government must follow the rulings of the Supreme Court because of the power of Judicial Review. The court is not political because they are in office until they retire, or die.

54. Plessy vs. Ferguson 1898 14 th Amendment Stated that as long as services (Education, railway cars, etc.) were “equal”, that was acceptable. Established and legitimized segregation until Brown vs. Board of Education.

55. Brown vs. Board of Education 1954 14 th Amendment Rejected the idea of truly equal but separate schools. Racial segregation in schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution because it’s inherently unequal. It began the end of legalized segregation!

56. Marbury vs. Madison 1803 Article III of the Constitution For the first time, the supreme court determined that part of a law that was being enforced was “unconstitutional” This case establishes “Judicial Review” – The power of the Judicial branch to “check” the legislative and executive branches based on the Constitution.

57. Gideon vs. Wainwright 1963 6 th Amendment – Right to Counsel The right to counsel (lawyer) even when it cannot be paid for is a right that is necessary for “due process” even at the state level This case along with Miranda vs. Arizona clarified and confirmed the right to counsel (even during police interrogations)

58. Miranda vs. Arizona 1966 5 th and 6 th Amendments People who are arrested must be informed of their 5 th and 6 th Amendment rights or what they say may not be used in evidence “Mirandize” is in common use. All those arrested are “Mirandized” (Read their rights). Once a suspect has been “Mirandized” what they do say, can be used against them.

59. Part V Legislative Branch

60. The Another Name for Legislative Branch = Congress

61. Terms to Know Bicameral – A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses Census – A population count taken by the Census Bureau Constituent – A person from a legislator’s district Filibuster – A tactic for defeating a bill in the Senate by talking until the bill’s sponsor withdraws it Conference Committee – A temporary committee that helps the House and Senate agree on the details of a proposed law

62. Terms to Know (Continued) Implied Powers – Powers that Congress has that are NOT stated explicitly in the Constitution Expressed Powers – Powers that Congress has that are specifically listed in the Constitution Lobbyist – Representative of an interest group who contacts lawmakers or other government officials directly to influence their policy making Writ of Habeas Corpus – A court order that requires police to bring a prisoner to court to explain why they are holding the person

63. Congress Facts and Information Senate – 100 Members / 2 Per State / 6 year terms of office / Requirements to become a Senator – 30 years old, live in the state you represent, been a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years before becoming elected. House of Representatives – 435 members / based on population / 2 year terms of office / Requirements to become a Representative - 25 years old, live in the state you represent, been a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years before becoming elected.

64. A Conference Committee is formed to hold hearings on good and bad points of a bill

65. Part VI The Executive Branch

66. The Electoral College officially elects the President and Vice President

67. Terms to Know Embargo – An agreement among a group of nations that prohibits them all from trading with a target nation legislature consisting of two parts, or houses Treaty – A formal agreement between the governments of two or more countries population count taken by the Census Bureau Elector – Person appointed to vote in presidential elections for the major candidates

68. Constitutional Requirements for President At least 35 years old A native born American Citizen A resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.

69. Miscellaneous Information The Senate approves Presidential appointees for head cabinet departments and other top offices The Vice-President can cast a tie breaking vote in the Senate

70. Commander in Chief This role gives the president the ability to back up their foreign policy decisions with force, if necessary. Congress has the power to declare war, but only the president can order American soldiers into battle. Congress has declared war only 5 times (The War of 1812, The Mexican War, The Spanish- American War, World War I, and World War II.) Presidents have sent troops into action over 150 times since 1789.

71. Roles of the President Chief Executive -The most important job of the President is carrying out the laws passed by Congress. -To do this, the president is in charge of 15 cabinet departments and the approximately 3 million civilians who work for the federal government.

72. Elections Take place every 4 years. The Constitution does not provide for direct popular elections of presidents. Instead, it set up an indirect method called the Electoral College. Although the ballot will show the names of the presidential candidates, when you vote for a candidate, you are actually voting for a list of presidential electors pledged to that candidate.

73. Number of Electoral Votes Each state gets as many electoral votes as its total of representatives and senators. Michigan has 17 electoral votes…so how many representatives does it have in Congress? Washington D.C. does not have Senators and Representatives but it gets 3 electoral votes. There are 538 electoral votes. – How is this number arrived at?

74. Winner Take All System Even if a candidate wins the popular vote in a state by a tiny margin, the candidate gets ALL of the states electoral votes. Picture each state as its own separate election or game. The Candidate who wins the most games wins the election. States with larger populations are more important to candidates, why? The winner take all system makes it difficult for third party candidates to win electoral votes.

75. Winning the Election To be elected president a candidate must get at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes. Although the winner of the election is usually announced on the evening of the election (except Bush/Gore in 2000), the formal election does not take place until December. The electors meet in each state capital and cast their votes. Congress counts the electoral votes and declares the winner.