1. American Government and Civics
Rights, Responsibilities and Benefits
Of American Citizenship

2. Foundations of Government
Federalism:
A system where power is shared between the central government and the states.
Popular Sovereignty:
A government system in which the people rule.
Separation of Powers:
A device to keep too much power out of the hands of a single group.

3. Important Court Cases Marbury v Madison (1803):
First Supreme Court decision to declare a law unconstitutional. (practice of judicial review.)
Gideon v Wainright (1963):
the Supreme Court ruled that states must provide defense attorneys to criminal defendants if they cannot afford one.
Miranda v Arizona (1966):
Court stated that all citizens have the right against self-incrimination, and must be advised of this right before talking to authorities.

4. English Influences John Locke:
Natural law: Certain moral truths are applied to all people, no matter where they live.
Social contract: Based on the idea of popular sovereignty.
English Bill of Rights:
Established a Constitutional monarchy in England – the king or queen had little power.
Was a huge influence on the creation of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.

5. The Constitution – Articles and Specific Functions
The Constitution is a “living document.” It can be changed in certain situations with approval from the government.
Principles of the foundation of the Constitution:
Checks and balances: A way to control the power of government. One branch does not have more power than the others.
Limited government: “Rule of law” – no citizen is above the rules of the laws of the country.
Elastic Clause: Legislature can make all laws which are “necessary and proper” to run the government.

6. Electoral Process A person declares he/she will run for office.
At a meeting called a convention, delegates to the convention will decide who is the best candidate for office.
There are two conventions, one for each political party – Democrat and Republican. There will be one person from each convention chosen to run for office.

7. Electoral Process
Candidates conduct campaigns, to meet people and convince them the candidate is the best person for the job.
The public will vote on ELECTION DAY! In order to win the office, the candidate must will the majority (50%+) of the popular vote.
The Electoral College: A group of people from each state who are (technically) supposed to vote for the candidate their state chose.

8. Electoral Process
The candidate must win by absolute majority of the electors (people from each state).
If there is a tie, the vote goes to the full House of Representatives.
If that vote ends in a tie, the vote goes to the full Senate. (Has only occurred twice: 1820 and 1824)

9. Electoral Process
Vacancies: The Constitution requires all positions to be filled by popular vote. However, mid term vacancies can be filled by the president (or governor at the state level) until the current term ends.
Recounts: Bush v Gore, 2000 – Ballots in Florida were faulty and some may not have been counted correctly. Both parties filed for help with the Supreme Court who said Bush was the winner and no additional recount was needed.

10. Checks and Balances LEGISLATURE: Makes the laws
Senate, House of Representatives
EXECUTIVE: Enforces the law
Has the ability to VETO a law or bill
JUDICIAL: Interprets the law
Decides if laws are Constitutional
CITIZENS:
Obey the laws

11. Separation of Powers EXECUTIVE POWERS:
Commander in chief of all military power
Came make treaties, with approval of Congress
Can make appointments, with approval of Congress
Can grant pardons

12. Separation of Powers JUDICIAL POWERS:
Has General Authority over all courts in the US, reviewing all laws and treaties
Can settle a case between two states
Can settle a case between citizens of two different states
Monitors all trials by jury (part of the Bill of Rights)
Can decide and punish any instance of treason against the United States.

13. Separation of Powers LEGISLATIVE POWERS: CANNOT:
Power to lay and collect domestic taxes
Borrow money for the US
Regulate commerce
Coin money
Establish a post office, fix roads
CANNOT:
-Collect import taxes or require export taxes
-Cannot show favoritism in awarding contracts
-Receive a title of nobility (king, prince, duke, etc.)

14. How a bill becomes law
Bill is first introduced to the House of Representatives by a bill sponsor. This person agrees to see the bill through the process.
Bill goes to committee, where it is discussed, researched, and revised as needed. Bill then goes to House floor.
The House debates whether the bill is necessary for the country, and if anything needs to be changed.

15. How a bill becomes law
The bill is voted on in the House, by voice, hand or electronic vote.
If it passes, the bill goes to the Senate, where it goes through a similar process. The Senate does a voice vote only.
If it passes the Senate, it goes to the President for his approval.

16. How a bill becomes law
The President can sign it into law; veto the bill and send it back to Congress for revisions; or he can do nothing (“pocket veto”) and it will be come a law within 10 days. In AZ, a “pocket veto” becomes law in 5 days.
If the bill is vetoed, Congress (both federal and state) must override the veto with 2/3 vote.
Once it is signed, the bill becomes a law, enforceable by the government.

17. Bill of Rights