1. A Constitutional Democracy
Chapter 10 Lesson 4
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2. Objectives Identify the principles of a constitutional government
Learn how the authority of a democracy comes from its people
Compare the powers granted to citizens, the federal government, and the states

3. Sharing Powers The federal government has been given certain powers.
But, these powers are separated among the three branches to limit power

4. Checks and Balances
Different powers given to each branch and they also watch each other to ensure power is not misused
Each branch has ways to check (or BLOCK) the powers of the others.
This system was developed to form “a more perfect union”
UNION – an alliance that works to reach common goals.

6. State Powers Tenth Amendment
Any power not clearly given to the federal government, or denied to the states, belong to the states and the people.

7. What State Governments do…
Build & manage highways and parks
Oversee public schools & state colleges
Help residents of their state w/ food, shelter, health care, & other basic needs

8. Powers states do not have. . .
Cannot:
Print money
Raise armies
Make treaties with other countries
Set up trade agreements w/ other states without the approval of Congress

9. What powers do states have under the Constitution?
Any powers not clearly given to the federal government

11. Federal, State, Local Three levels of government
All have elected officials
All collect taxes

12. Rights & Responsibilities
POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY – the idea that the government derives, or gets, its power from the people.
Our government is based on the basic principles of democracy:
Justice
Equality
Responsibility
Freedom

13. We are a Republic In a republic  people vote for the representatives.
The people are the source of the government’s authority

14. Voting One responsibility of a citizen
Democracy – people rule & are free to make choices about their lives and their government
People can write their representatives. This helps leaders keep track of a public agenda  what people want

15. Voting Rights At first, not given to all
Women were not given suffrage, this means the right to vote
In 1920, the 19th amendment gave women the right to vote
In 1971, the 26th amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

16. Being a Citizen One responsibility of citizens is to vote
Civic Virtue – qualities that add to a healthy democracy
Civic Virtue is another responsibility
Must obey laws, serve on juries, and pay taxes
Males must register for selective service (military service) at 18 years old

17. More power given to people
In 1913, the 17th amendment gave voters in each state the ability to elect their own senators directly.
Before, state legislatures elected the state senators.

18. Term Limits
In 1951, the 22nd amendment limited the President’s term to no more than two full terms in office.
This was to ensure that elected officials changed regularly.

19. Citizenship
If you are born in the U.S. you are automatically a U.S. citizen
Immigrants to the U.S. can become legal citizens through a process called naturalization
Must be at least 18 years old
Lived in U.S. for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
Must pass a test on U.S. government & history
Must be able to write & speak English

20. THE END