CITIZENSHIP BY: MS. HOOKER

Government Definition- the form or system of rule by which a state, community, etc., is governed

Why do we have a government? What is its purpose??

We need our government... To make laws To carry out laws To decide if laws have been broken To protect the rights and property of individuals (us!)

What is a law? a rule of conduct or action laid down and enforced by the supreme governing authority (as the legislature) of a community or established by custom the control brought about by enforcing rules

Well then what is the difference between a rule and a law? Discuss with those in your row and come up with an answer to share with your classmates.

So what IS the difference between a law and a rule? Rules are principles that tell us how we should act. Example of a rule would be not to speak while your teacher or your classmates are speaking.

Not the same kind of rule!

Laws are a bit different. Laws are rules which, when disobeyed, result in serious consequences. Laws are rules that have been developed by a society or government, which apply to all people in that society. Failure to follow laws can result in legal consequences, such as, paying a fine. Example of a law would be not to litter. Litter Bug

Basic Principles What are they?? An American citizens’ rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and equality under the law Do we remember from yesterday who wrote these words?

HUH? “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are all privileges that people are born with and cannot be taken away because they are protected by the government. Liberty... the condition of those who are free and independent

IMPORTANT AMERICANS George Washington --The first President of the United States --He helped put the basic principles into practice

Thomas Jefferson -- He was born in Virginia -- He was the third President of theUnited States -- He wrote the Declaration of Independence, which states that people have certain rights.

Abraham Lincoln -- He was the United States President when America was divided over important issues -- He helped free African American slaves

Rosa Parks -- An African American woman who refused to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man, which she was required to do by law many years ago. -- She helped to bring about changes in laws so that all people would have equal rights

Martin Luther King, Jr. -- An African American pastor who worked for equal rights for all people -- He helped bring about changes in laws through peaceful means -- He gave a very important speech about his dreams for the future.

Thurgood Marshall -- He was a lawyer who defended all people when most lawyers would not -- He was the first African American justice of the United States Supreme Court

Review Questions Who worked under the new republican form of government and put the basic principles into practice for the new nation as the first president? Who is the well-known African American woman who refused to give up her seat on a public bus?

American Symbols Things that represent America. Can anyone name a few?

The American Flag Each one of the fifty stars represents a state in our nation. There are thirteen stripes, one for each of the thirteen original colonies.

The Liberty Bell This bell was rang on July 8, 1776 to announce to the people the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was sent to England to be inscribed with the words, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof.” Soon after arriving back to America the bell cracked the first time it was rang.

Bald Eagle This bird was chosen as America’s national bird because it is great and powerful. It was chosen soon after the Revolutionary War.

VETERANS DAY What is a veteran? A person who has had long service or experience in an occupation or office A day for recognition and respect for Americans who served in the military. Observed in the month of November

MEMORIAL DAY A day for the recognition of and respect for Americans who died in wars while serving our country. Observed in the month of May

Diversity Definition- the condition of being different Americans are a people of diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions No matter how diverse Americans are we are united by the basic principles of our republican form of government.

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