Chapter 2, Lesson 2 “We the People”

A Government for the People The government is made up of two things: Rules , or laws that we follow. The people who run our country.

Two types of government: Republic: in a republic, the leaders are elected to represent citizens. Democracy: In a democracy, every citizen has a right to take part in government. A citizen is an official member of a country.

Constitution of the United States Constitution: a plan set up by the founders of our country for governing our nation. *The constitution starts off with the words “We the People..” the three words show how important the idea of democracy is for the United States. * The power of our government comes from the citizens who elect government leaders.

The constitution explains: How the national and state governments share power. Federal government: a system of government in which the national and state governments share power.

Three Levels of Government Local The local government includes village, town, city, and parish governments.

State The government set up by the people of each state.

National The government of our entire country. The capital city of the U.S. is Washington,D.C.

Three Branches of Government The legislative branch is the part of the government that makes our nation’s laws. Congress is the legislative branch of the United States. Congress has two parts: House of Representatives Senate * Congress meets in the United States Capitol building.

Executive Branch The executive branch is in charge of enforcing our nation’s laws. The President is the head of the executive branch. The President lives and works in the White House.

President of the United States United States citizens vote to elect the president. Serves a four year term, and can be reelected only once. Lives and works at the White House. In charge of our nation’s armed forces. (Army, Navy, Marines, etc.) Suggests laws for congress to pass.

Vice President Included in the executive branch. Presides over, or heads, the Senate.

Judicial Branch In charge of interpreting our nation’s laws. Decide if the laws follow the c0nstitution.

Supreme Court Our nation’s highest court. Nine judges, called justices, serve on the Supreme Court. Appointed by the president, and serve on the Supreme Court the rest of their lives. Meets in the Supreme Court building in Washington,D.C.

Amendments A change to the constitution Passed by Congress and must be approved by a majority of the states.

Bill of Rights First ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments guarantee such freedoms as : freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech.