1. American Government, Citizenship, and Voting American Society & Culture dodlive.tumblr.com

2. Beginning of U.S. Government United States government system is based on the United States Constitution, written in 1787. The Constitution was written to avoid any one person in government from having too much power. It separated the government into three branches, each with its own responsibility and power to influence the other two branches. United States government system is based on the United States Constitution, written in 1787. The Constitution was written to avoid any one person in government from having too much power. It separated the government into three branches, each with its own responsibility and power to influence the other two branches. Angrywhitedude.com

3. The United States Constitution The Constitution is the highest law in the United States. All other laws come from the Constitution. It says how the government works. It creates the national government system. Each state also has a constitution. The constitutions of the states are their highest law for that state — but the United States Constitution is higher. (http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html)http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html The Constitution is the highest law in the United States. All other laws come from the Constitution. It says how the government works. It creates the national government system. Each state also has a constitution. The constitutions of the states are their highest law for that state — but the United States Constitution is higher. (http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html)http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html The men who wrote the Constitution had to get all the states to agree that this was a good document and that they should vote in favor of it. This was the first great political question that faced Americans. Nine states of the thirteen original states had to vote for the Constitution for it to be accepted. (bensguide.cpo.gov) Icivics.org

4. The Bill of Rights The Constitution can be changed. Among the amendments (changes) is a list of the rights of United States citizens. It is illegal for the government to violate those rights. The first ten amendments are special. They are called the Bill of Rights. (http://www.usconstitution.n et/constkids4.html) The Constitution can be changed. Among the amendments (changes) is a list of the rights of United States citizens. It is illegal for the government to violate those rights. The first ten amendments are special. They are called the Bill of Rights. (http://www.usconstitution.n et/constkids4.html) Endtimesrevelations.wordpress.com

5. The Bill of Rights (cont.) Here are some of the most famous rights from the Bill of Rights: Freedom of Religion: Congress can't make any law about your religion, or stop you from practicing your religion. Freedom of Speech: Congress can’t keep you from saying whatever you want, or publishing whatever you want (like in a newspaper or a book). Freedom of the Press: Like in freedom of speech, Congress can’t keep reporters or the press from saying what they want, even negative information about the government. Freedom of Assembly and Right to Petition the Govrnment: And Congress can't stop you from meeting peacefully for a demonstration to ask the government to change something. Right to Bear Arms (Own and Carry Guns): Congress can't stop people from having and carrying weapons. Right to a Speedy Trial: Right to a trial in a quick period of time, right to be informed of the crimes of which you’re being charged, right to a lawyer Here are some of the most famous rights from the Bill of Rights: Freedom of Religion: Congress can't make any law about your religion, or stop you from practicing your religion. Freedom of Speech: Congress can’t keep you from saying whatever you want, or publishing whatever you want (like in a newspaper or a book). Freedom of the Press: Like in freedom of speech, Congress can’t keep reporters or the press from saying what they want, even negative information about the government. Freedom of Assembly and Right to Petition the Govrnment: And Congress can't stop you from meeting peacefully for a demonstration to ask the government to change something. Right to Bear Arms (Own and Carry Guns): Congress can't stop people from having and carrying weapons. Right to a Speedy Trial: Right to a trial in a quick period of time, right to be informed of the crimes of which you’re being charged, right to a lawyer

6. Powers of National vs. State Governments Here are just a few of the rights that are divided among the national and state governments. Sometimes these governments have separate duties; sometimes they share duties. National Government: -can make money. -can declare war. -carries out business with foreign countries. -oversees trade between foreign countries and between states. National Government: -can make money. -can declare war. -carries out business with foreign countries. -oversees trade between foreign countries and between states. State Government: -vote for changes to the constitution (amendments). -manage public health and safety. -manage education. State Government: -vote for changes to the constitution (amendments). -manage public health and safety. -manage education.

7. Three Branches of National Government Who leads the Executive Branch? How long is one Presidential term? What are the 2 parts of the Legislative Branch called? How many senators does each state have? How many representatives? How many judges are part of the United States Supreme court? Who chooses the Supreme Court judges? Who leads the Executive Branch? How long is one Presidential term? What are the 2 parts of the Legislative Branch called? How many senators does each state have? How many representatives? How many judges are part of the United States Supreme court? Who chooses the Supreme Court judges? W4.nkcsd.k12.mo.us

8. Three Branches of National Government Here’s a simple way to remember very basically what the 3 branches do: W4.nkcsd.k12.mo.us The Executive branch (President), Enforces the laws made by Congress. The Legislative branch (Congress), pass Laws. The Judicial branch Interprets the laws, Judging whether laws are allowed by the Constitution.

10. http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Lesson_13_ Notes.htm

11. Making New Laws Anyone can suggest a new law. When it is suggested, it is called a “bill.” To make the bill a new law, both parts of Congress must approve the law, and the president must also approve it. The branches of government work to decide whether something is a good idea. One branch cannot make a law without input from other branches. Anyone can suggest a new law. When it is suggested, it is called a “bill.” To make the bill a new law, both parts of Congress must approve the law, and the president must also approve it. The branches of government work to decide whether something is a good idea. One branch cannot make a law without input from other branches.

12. Voting Every United States citizen has the right to vote for President when he or she turns 18 years old. Each state has a number of ‘electoral’ votes depending on the number of people in the state. Whichever candidate wins in each state receives all of that state’s ‘electoral votes.’ Here’s a chart that shows more information on how one person becomes president. There’s lots of information-- you don’t need to remember it all! Every United States citizen has the right to vote for President when he or she turns 18 years old. Each state has a number of ‘electoral’ votes depending on the number of people in the state. Whichever candidate wins in each state receives all of that state’s ‘electoral votes.’ Here’s a chart that shows more information on how one person becomes president. There’s lots of information-- you don’t need to remember it all! Chrisabraham.com

14. Democrat vs. Republican America has two main political parties. They are called Democrats and Republicans. These parties are very complicated, and not everyone identifies with one of them. Still, to help us become a little familiar with them, let’s do an activity to find out whether you’re more like a Republican or a Democrat. America has two main political parties. They are called Democrats and Republicans. These parties are very complicated, and not everyone identifies with one of them. Still, to help us become a little familiar with them, let’s do an activity to find out whether you’re more like a Republican or a Democrat.

15. Becoming a U.S. Citizen Some of you asked about citizenship and green cards. There are 3 types of people living in America: American citizens, permanent lawful citizens (green card holders), and illegal immigrants. Some of you asked about citizenship and green cards. There are 3 types of people living in America: American citizens, permanent lawful citizens (green card holders), and illegal immigrants. Here is a chart to help you understand the process of citizenship. There’s lots of information just for your information… you do not need to understand or remember everything. Stagesonthesound.com

16. For more about the state of illegal immigration and why it’s happening, check out this website.this website.

17. National Symbols Let’s take a quick look at some of America’s national symbols. Palmerscontracting.com

18. Seal of the President of the United States A symbol of the United States President Used to mark his communication with Congress Contains 50 stars to represent the 50 states. A symbol of the United States President Used to mark his communication with Congress Contains 50 stars to represent the 50 states. Myspeace.com

19. United States Flag The first American flag was sewn in 1776. Today the flag consists of thirteen red and white stripes. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states. White signifies purity and innocence; Red, hardiness and valor; Blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The first American flag was sewn in 1776. Today the flag consists of thirteen red and white stripes. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states. White signifies purity and innocence; Red, hardiness and valor; Blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Sanramon.ca.gov

20. Liberty Bell Was rung in 1776 when America declared its independence. Was rung for George Washington’s birthday and cracked hours later. Weighs 945.5 kg. Originally made in England in 1752. Symbolizes freedom in America “Let Freedom Ring!” Was rung in 1776 when America declared its independence. Was rung for George Washington’s birthday and cracked hours later. Weighs 945.5 kg. Originally made in England in 1752. Symbolizes freedom in America “Let Freedom Ring!” Edisoneffect.blogspot.com

21. National Bird: The Bald Eagle Chosen in 1782 as a symbol of America because of its long life and strength. Represent a spirit of freedom, overcoming difficulties, and development. Chosen in 1782 as a symbol of America because of its long life and strength. Represent a spirit of freedom, overcoming difficulties, and development. Thebaldeagle.net

22. Statue of Liberty A gift from France to America, accepted in 1886. Weighs 204505.5 kg. Visitors must climb 354 stairs to reach her crown. At her feet lay broken chains to symbolize freedom gained from England. Her face alone is more than 2 meters tall! A gift from France to America, accepted in 1886. Weighs 204505.5 kg. Visitors must climb 354 stairs to reach her crown. At her feet lay broken chains to symbolize freedom gained from England. Her face alone is more than 2 meters tall! Kelligsblog.blogspot.com

23. The White House There are 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and 6 levels. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 7 staircases, and 3 elevators. President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901. The White House receives approximately 6,000 visitors a day. With five full-time chefs (cooks), the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000. For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and a bowling lane. (http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/white- house-facts) There are 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and 6 levels. There are also 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 7 staircases, and 3 elevators. President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901. The White House receives approximately 6,000 visitors a day. With five full-time chefs (cooks), the White House kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests and hors d'oeuvres to more than 1,000. For recreation, the White House has a variety of facilities available to its residents, including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, and a bowling lane. (http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/white- house-facts) Whitehouse.gov

24. The White House: A Look Inside Let’s take a look inside the White House.White House. Let’s take a look inside the White House.White House.