GHSGT Review Government

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

Compare and contrast the Declaration of Independence 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

Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a persuasive argument

The Declaration of Independence makes these arguments: “All men are created equal” Unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness Powers of government from consent of the governed Grievances against the king of England, George III 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”

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

Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification; 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

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

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

Legislative - Congress – makes laws BICAMERAL – Two Houses House of Representatives Representation based on population At least one per state Special power to impeach, initiate tax bills Presiding officer – Speaker of the House Senate Representation is equal – 2 per state Special power to approve President’s treaties and appointments (2/3 majority required) Serves as jury during impeachment trials Presiding officer – Vice-President of the U.S.

Executive – President – enforces laws 1 Executive – President – enforces laws 1. 4-year terms, limited to 2 terms 2. Elected by Electoral College 3. 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

1. Highest court in the nation 2. Court of final appeal Judicial – Supreme Court - interprets laws 1. Highest court in the nation 2. Court of final appeal 3. Congress establishes inferior courts

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

(and other Federal Courts) Can: Propose legislation Veto legislation Call special legislative sessions Recommend appointments Negotiate foreign treaties Executive Branch The President Enforces the nation’s laws Heads the armed forces Represents the nation in foreign affairs Can: Appoint federal judges Grant pardons and reprieves to federal offenders Legislative Branch Congress Passes taxes Makes new laws Can: Pass legislation Override a presidential veto Confirm executive appointments Ratify treaties Appropriate money Impeach and remove a President Judicial Branch Supreme Court (and other Federal Courts) Decides whether or not laws are constitutional Can: Declare executives actions and laws unconstitutional Can: Create lower federal courts and judgeships Impeach judges Propose constitutional amendments to override judicial decisions Approve appointments of federal judges Can: Declare legislation unconstitutional

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

Explain the relationship of state government 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

Define the difference between enumerated and implied powers

Enumerated Powers - are explicitly granted by the Constitution Implied Powers - are powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution

Describe the extent to which power is shared.

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

Identify powers denied to state and national 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.

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

Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis 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

Analyze due process law expressed in the 5th and 14th 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

Explain how government seeks to maintain the balance between individual liberties and 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

Explain every citizen’s right to be treated 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

These civic duties include: U.S. citizens must fulfill a number of civic responsibilities in order for U.S. society to function These civic duties include: Obeying laws Paying taxes Serving jury duty Performing public service Registering for the draft (required for 18-year-old males) Political participation Staying well-informed

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

Describe the organization, role, and 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 serve the following functions: (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

Describe the nomination and election process

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

Examine campaign funding and spending

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. Congress House 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

Explain the steps in the legislative process

Becomes law NO NO NO NO Yes Yes Yes Introduce in Either House or Senate as a Bill Referred to Committee Debated in floor of House or Senate and voted on Goes to other legislative body (House or Senate) Yes Yes Yes Yes NO NO NO Goes to President NO Kills Bill 2/3 of each body (House and Senate) needed to pass over President’s veto Yes Yes Becomes law

Explain the function of various leadership positions 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: Chief Executive – the nation’s recognized leader and head of the executive branch. Ultimately responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws Commander-in-chief – the top military commander 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 Appoints pubic officials – including heads of federal departments and federal judges 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

Explain the impeachment process as 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

Explain the functions of the Cabinet

Members 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 Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Defense Department of Education Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of the Interior Department of Justice Department of Labor Department of State Department of Transportation Department of the Treasury Department of Veterans' Affairs

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

Explain the jurisdiction of the federal courts and the state courts

U.S. Supreme Court U.S Court of Appeals State Supreme Court U.S. District Courts Appellate Courts Superior Courts Lower Courts

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

Power of Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison) Article 5: Amending the Constitution Two-thirds of both house of Congress may propose Two-third of states may call for national convention to propose (never used) Requires three-quarters of states to ratify (officially approve) before it becomes a permanent part of the U.S. Constitution

Describe how the Supreme Court decides 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 decision After heading all arguments, the justices will vote There 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)

Treaties - formal international agreements between nations 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 - 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 - formal international agreements between nations Sanctions - restrictions or policies placed on a country that may be violating international agreements Sanctions placed on North Korea for pursuing the development of nuclear weapons Military 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